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Definition of the Retrovirus Virus Life Form

Retroviruses are a group of RNA-containing viruses that cause diseases in vertebrates such as birds and mammals, including humans. The virus that causes AIDS is a retrovirus.

  1. Viruses 101

    • Viruses are particles smaller than bacteria that remain dormant until they get inside a living host. Viruses contain DNA or RNA and inject this genetic material into the host's cells. Viruses then take over the cells' functions.

    Retroviruses

    • Like other viruses, retroviruses are not living things. They only "come to life" when they enter a host's cells. Retroviruses contain RNA and the protein reverse transcriptase. Outside a host, retroviruses are enclosed in a protein capsid, which is covered in a lipid envelope.

    Classification

    • Retroviruses are grouped into seven genera. These viruses all contain RNA instead of DNA and infect vertebrates. Collectively they are also called an RNA tumor group.

    Infection

    • The lipid envelope interfaces with the host cell's membrane at the onset of infection. Retroviruses inject their RNA and reverse transcriptase into the cells. The reverse transcriptase uses the RNA as a template to make DNA, which allows the virus to take over the host cells.

    Diseases

    • Retroviruses cause tumors and degenerative diseases, including immunodeficiency. There are four known human retroviruses. These retroviruses cause types of HIV, lymphoma and leukemia.

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