reverse transcriptase (redirected from RNA-directed DNA polymerase)

reverse transcriptase /re·verse tran·scrip·tase/ (re-vers´ tran-skrip´tas) an enzyme that catalyzes the template-directed, step-by-step addition of deoxyribonucleotides to the end of a DNA or RNA primer or growing DNA chain, using a single-stranded RNA template; it occurs in retroviruses and the DNA formed is an intermediate in the formation of progeny RNA.

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reverse transcriptase

n.

A polymerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA on an RNA template, found in oncogenic viruses containing RNA, especially the retroviruses.

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reverse transcriptase (transkrip´-tās),

n an enzyme within a retrovirus that converts its ribonucleic acid into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which then penetrates the cell nucleus and joins the host's DNA.

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reverse transcriptase

see reverse transcriptase.