reverse transcriptase (redirected from Reverse transcribing)

reverse transcriptase /re·verse tran·scrip·tase/ (re-vers´ tran-skrip´tās) 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 (RT)

[revers′tran-skrip′tās]

an enzyme of RNA viruses that catalyzes the transcription of RNA to DNA, which is then incorporated into the genome of the host cell. This is the reverse of the usual mechanism for replication of genetic information; in the presence of this enzyme, it is the RNA that serves as the template for DNA copies. It is one mechanism by which reproduction of cancer cells is facilitated. Also called RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. See also retrovirus.

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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.