reverse transcriptase

reverse tran·scrip·tase

noun \-ˌtran-ˈskrip-(ˌ)tās, -(ˌ)tāz\

Definition of REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

: a polymerase especially of retroviruses that catalyzes the formation of DNA using RNA as a template

First Known Use of REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

1971

reverse transcriptase

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

: a polymerase especially of retroviruses that catalyzes the formation of DNA using RNA as a template

reverse transcriptase

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

An enzyme encoded from the genetic material of retroviruses. Following entry of a retrovirus into a host cell, reverse transcriptase catalyzes the transcription of the virus's RNA (ribonucleic acid) into DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This “reverse” transcription enables the virus's genome to be inserted into the genome of the host cell, resulting in the production of more RNA virus from its DNA. Examples of retroviruses encoding reverse transcriptase include Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).