Definitions for "Retroviruses"
Viruses that replicate by inserting their DNA into a host cell's DNA.
A group of viruses that are made up of RNA instead of DNA, including HIV and the virus that causes T-cell leukemia.
viruses that contain two identical single-stranded RNA molecules linked in a complex. Growth cycles have a stage in which the flow of information is reversed from the usual DNA --- RNA to RNA --- DNA. The most efficient method of transferring genes uses retroviruses. After infecting a host cell the retrovirus makes a DNA copy of itself which is then inserted into the genetic material of the host cell.