Retrovirus

A retrovirus is any virus which copies itself as part of the cell's DNA by reverse transcribing its RNA.  Since the cell cannot proofread the step in which RNA is converted back to DNA, errors often go unnoticed.  This changes the exact sequence of a retrovirus' RNA frequently.  This makes it harder for retroviruses to be attacked by drugs.

HIV is a retrovirus, which makes it very difficult to overcome using drugs.

Related pages
RNA virus
Virology

 Other websites 
 Retrovirology Scientific journal
 Retroviruses at rcn.com 

Category:Viruses
Category:Virology