query

[Muriel Lederman]

I have run across something that I cannot easily explain and would
appreciate help.

If retroviral genomic RNA is (+) polarity, capped and polyadenylated, why
is RT a structural protein? Why can't the genomic RNA act as mRNA and
translate the enzyme. Is it because you need the LTR to get a promoter?

Thanks - ML

Ambition will cure AIDS before compassion does.

Muriel Lederman			    Phone: 540.231.5702
Associate Professor, Biology		    Fax:    540.231.9307
Coordinator, Biological Sciences Initiative	    email:   lederman at vt.edu
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg VA 24061-0406