Q140 / 160 · JIPMER 2007 · Zoology

Which one of the following makes use of RNA as a template to synthesize DNA?

  • Correct answer
    A
    Reverse transcriptase
  • B
    DNA dependant RNA polymerase
  • C
    DNA polymerase
  • D
    RNA polymerase

Solution

In 1970 H. Temin and D. Baltimore independently discovered the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This enzyme uses RNA as template for the synthesis of C-DNA (Complementary DNA). $\begin{gathered}\text { RNA } \\ \downarrow \\ \mathrm{C}-\mathrm{DNA}\end{gathered}$ Reverse transcriptase used RNA as template

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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