Retrovirus -

Retroviruses are responsible for several significant human diseases. The most well-known is , which attacks the immune system's T-cells and can lead to AIDS . Other notable human retroviruses include:

Retroviruses are a unique family of viruses that have fundamentally changed our understanding of genetics, evolution, and medicine. Unlike most living organisms that store genetic information as DNA, retroviruses carry their genetic blueprint as . Their name refers to their "backward" replication process: they use a specialized enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA once they infect a host cell. The Replication Cycle: Rewriting the Host’s Code Retrovirus

Perhaps most surprisingly, retroviruses have played a massive role in human evolution. When a retrovirus infects a sperm or egg cell, its genetic material can be passed down to future generations. Over millions of years, these "fossil" viruses have accumulated in the human genome and are known as . Scientists estimate that 8% to 9% of the human genome is composed of these ancient viral remnants. While most are now inactive mutations, some have been repurposed by our bodies to help regulate the immune system or even aid in the development of the placenta during pregnancy. Conclusion Unlike most living organisms that store genetic information

: The enzyme reverse transcriptase "back-transcribes" the viral RNA into a double-stranded DNA copy. When a retrovirus infects a sperm or egg