Retroviruses

Paper Summary:

This paper explains what retroviruses are and how they affect T-cells and cause diseases such as HIV/AIDS and leukemia. The genetic make-up of retroviruses is described as well as their ability to cause cell infection. The author discusses why retroviruses are particularly dangerous to human beings but notes that they can be used as regulators of gene expression.

Outline:
Introduction
Retroviruses and Cell Infection
Retroviruses as Regulators of Gene Expression
References

From the Paper:

"Specifically, DNA is a double-stranded molecule located within the nucleus of all living cells, where DNA transcribes RNA which is single-stranded rather than double. Under normal conditions, RNA exits the nucleus through tiny pores and then enters the cytoplasm, creating the synthesis of proteins. All life forms experience this type of process except for retroviruses which use RNA to transcribe DNA, exactly opposite to the way genetic material is normally transcribed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andersson, Ann C. (2002). Studies in Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Stockholm: Uppsala University Press.
• Domingo, Esteban. (1988). RNA Genetics: Retroviruses, Viroids and RNA Recombination. Boston: CRC Press, Inc.
• Griffiths, David. J. (June 5, 2001). "Endogenous Retroviruses in the Human Genome Sequence." GenomeBiology. Internet. Retrieved from http://genomebiology.com/2001/2/6/reviews/1017.
• Hanafusa, H. (1989). Retroviruses and Disease. St. Louis, MO: USA AcademicPress.
• "Retroviruses: Introduction." (June 13, 2005). Microbiology@Leicester. Internet. Retrieved from http://www-micro.msb.le.ac.uk/3035/Retroviruses.html.

More papers on Retroviruses:

• Essay # 16994 : "Darwin and Schizophrenia"
• Term Paper # 144640 : "AIDS and the HIV Virus"
• Term Paper # 90345 : "AIDS"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: