Question

How do retroviruses work differently from other viruses

Answer 1

Retroviruses differ from other viruses in that each virion contains two complete copies of the single-stranded RNA genome.

Answer 2

Retroviruses are different from other viruses because they use a unique process to infect host cells.

Explanation:

Once inside the host cell, retroviruses use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell's DNA. This allows the retrovirus to replicate and persist in the host cell for a long time, potentially causing chronic infections or even cancer. Unlike other viruses that can cause acute infections, retroviruses are known for their ability to establish long-term infections and to mutate rapidly, which makes them difficult to control