noun
definition
Any of a group of viruses which insert a copy of their RNA genome into the DNA of a host cell, thus changing the genome of that cell.
Examples of retroviruses in a Sentence
Lentiviral vectors, a subgroup of retroviruses, are capable of infecting non-dividing, but not truly quiescent cells.
Transgenic poultry have been created using retroviruses carrying copies of the DNA coding for a new gene.
This discovery was followed by many other examples of acutely transforming retroviruses, together with the structural characterization of the viruses involved.
In particular, much research is being carried out on a family of viruses called porcine endogenous retroviruses.
Robin Weiss stressed that virus adaptation or recombination with other retroviruses in the new host cannot be dismissed.
Two or three distinct pig retroviruses can infect some human cells in culture.
There are multiple animal retroviruses and other harmful agents found in animal donor organs and cells.
The newer vectors are based on a sub-group of retroviruses known as lentiviruses.
They have similar features to retroviruses in the ease of manipulation, predictable integration and reliable gene expression and regulation.
As with Kawasaki disease, various infectious organisms have been proposed as the cause of IPAN, including hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), various retroviruses, streptococci, and even a virus usually found in cats.
Retroviruses are composed of RNA molecules instead of DNA, and the only treatable one is the one that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Chronic leukemia occurs in some people who are infected with two human retroviruses (HTLV-I and HTLV-II).