reverse transcriptase
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Related to reverse transcriptase: reverse transcription, Reverse transcriptase inhibitors
reverse transcriptase
[re-vers´ 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. Called also RNA-directed DNA polymerase.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
re·verse tran·scrip·tase
RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, present in virions of RNA tumor viruses (retroviruses).
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
reverse transcriptase
n.
A polymerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA on an RNA template, found in the retroviruses and in certain other viruses, such as hepatitis B virus.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
re·verse trans·crip·tase
(RT) (rē-vĕrs' tran-skrip'tās)RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, present in virions of RNA tumor viruses.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
reverse transcriptase
An enzyme that allows certain viruses, notable HIV, to synthesize double strand DNA from a single strand of RNA so that it can be incorporated into the genome of the host cell. Such viruses are called retroviruses.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
reverse transcriptase
an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase that catalyses the synthesis of DNA from deoxyribonucleoside-5′-triphosphate, using RNA as a template.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
re·verse trans·crip·tase
(rĕ-vĕrs' tran-skrip'tās)RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, present in virions of RNA tumor viruses.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012