Retrovirus

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A retrovirus is a type of virus that uses RNA as its genetic material instead of DNA. Retroviruses are unique in that they use a process called reverse transcription to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which can then integrate into the host cell's genome. This integration can cause the virus to become a permanent part of the host cell's DNA and can lead to the production of new virus particles.

Some examples of retroviruses include HIV, which causes AIDS, and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), which is associated with certain types of cancer and neurological disease. Retroviruses can infect a wide range of animals, including humans, and have been found in birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals.

One interesting feature of retroviruses is their ability to "jump" between species, a process known as zoonosis. This ability can make retroviruses a significant threat to human and animal health, as they can cause new diseases and pandemics. However, retroviruses also have potential therapeutic applications, such as in gene therapy, where they can be used to deliver new genes to cells.