Retroviruses: Double-Stranded RNA Viruses

Retroviruses are viruses that are able to reverse transcribe their RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into a host genome.

The attachment and fusion of HIV virons to host cells are crucial to HIV infection.

The retroviral genome contains the elements needed for reverse transcription and all other activities of a retrovirus.

HIV replication depends on a complex, coordinated series of events where the virus integrates into the DNA of host cells.