Question

Which enzyme is responsible for integrating the double-stranded DNA into the host chromosome during the reverse transcription pathway?

Options

• Reverse transcriptase

• Protease

• Integrase

• RNase H

Answer 1

Integrase is the enzyme that catalyses the integration of double-stranded DNA into the host chromosome. This viral protein catalyses the insertion of the proviral DNA into the chromosomal DNA of the host cell. This integration step is critical for establishing persistent retroviral infection, as the integrated provirus is then replicated as part of the host genome and can be transcribed using the host's machinery.