For Retrovirus we have terms and definitions in 9 topics. The topics are Biotechnology, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Computer Virus, HIV and AIDs, Hepatitis C, Microbiology, Nutrition and Sex.

Retrovirus (Biotechnology)

A type of virus that can insert its DNA into the genome of its host cell. This ability has been used as a basis for genetic transformation of animal cells.

Retrovirus (Cancer)

Viruses such as HIV that use a chemical called 'RNA' instead of DNA as their genetic material. Retroviruses convert their RNA genome into DNA and insert into their host's DNA chromosomes. This can disrupt genes and sometimes cause cancer. However, some retroviruses can be modified and used to deliver new genes into cancer cells in the laboratory. Scientists hope one day to use this technique, a type of gene therapy, to correct the genetic defects that cause cancer.

Retrovirus (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

A family of RNA viruses that have the unique characteristic of producing an enzyme that makes a DNA copy of its genetic information from an RNA template (the opposite of what normally takes place). The most widely recognized of these viruses is HIV, the causative agent in AIDS. Another virus from this family (HTLV-1) has been associated with T cell leukemia. Initial reports of an association of an HTLV-II-like retrovirus with CFS could not be confirmed in subsequent studies.

Retrovirus (Computer Virus)

A computer virus that actively attacks an antivirus program or programs in an effort to prevent detection.

Retrovirus (HIV and AIDs)

A type of virus (like HIV) that encodes its genes as RNA, rather than DNA. Human cells use DNA to encode their genetic information; for retroviruses to incorporate their genes into human genes, they must be able to convert RNA into DNA. The enzyme reverse transcriptase accomplishes this conversion.

Retrovirus (Hepatitis C)

A large group of RNA viruses.

Retrovirus (Microbiology)

Singel stranded RNA virus which is replicated and expressed via a double stranded DNA intermediate. Retroviruses contain enzyme reverse transcriptase (RNA dependent DNA polymerase); this enzyme converts viral RNA into DNA which can combine with DNA of host cell and produce more viral particles.

Retrovirus (Nutrition)

A type of virus that has RNA as its core nucleic acid and contains an enzyme called reverse transcriptase that permit the virus to copy its RNA into the DNA of infected cells, in effect taking over the cells' genetic machinery. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is a retrovirus. Retroviruses are also known to cause certain types of cancer in animals, and are suspected of causing forms of leukemia and lymphoma in humans.

Retrovirus (Sex)

A virus capable of altering the normal genetic writing process, causing the host cell to replicate the virus instead of itself. HIV is an example of such a virus.

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