reverse transcriptase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “reverse transcriptase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.
A retroviral enzyme, crucial for processes like the replication of retroviruses (e.g., HIV) and in biotechnological applications such as RT-PCR. Its function reverses the usual direction of genetic information flow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may follow regional patterns (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reverse transcriptase” in a Sentence
[reverse transcriptase] + [verb: catalyzes, synthesizes, converts] + [noun: DNA][adjective: viral, retroviral] + [reverse transcriptase] + [verb: is inhibited, functions]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reverse transcriptase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The RNA was reverse transcribed using a commercial kit.
American English
- We need to reverse transcribe the mRNA sample first.
adjective
British English
- The reverse transcriptase reaction requires specific buffers.
American English
- RT-PCR relies on reverse transcriptase activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts discussing drug development (e.g., 'The company is developing a novel reverse transcriptase inhibitor').
Academic
Primary context. Common in molecular biology, virology, and genetics research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in public health news about HIV/AIDS.
Technical
The dominant register. Used precisely to refer to the specific enzyme and its functions in labs and technical literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reverse transcriptase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reverse transcriptase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reverse transcriptase”
- Misspelling as 'reverse transcriptas' or 'reverse transcriptace'.
- Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'to reverse transcriptase the RNA' – correct: 'to reverse transcribe RNA').
- Confusing it with 'transcriptase' alone, which typically refers to RNA polymerase.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally, no. It is primarily produced by retroviruses and some retrotransposons. However, telomerase, a human enzyme, contains a reverse transcriptase domain.
It is a prime target for antiretroviral drugs (e.g., against HIV). Inhibiting it stops the virus from replicating its genetic material.
'Transcriptase' typically refers to RNA polymerase (DNA -> RNA). 'Reverse transcriptase' does the opposite (RNA -> DNA).
It's essential for techniques like RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), used to detect and quantify RNA, e.g., in COVID-19 tests and gene expression studies.
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.
Reverse transcriptase is usually technical / scientific in register.
Reverse transcriptase: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜːs trænˈskrɪpteɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜːrs trænˈskrɪpteɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'transcript' as a copy. Normally, DNA is copied into RNA ('transcription'). This enzyme does the REVERSE: it makes a DNA copy from an RNA 'transcript'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REVERSING MACHINE / A BACKWARDS COPIER. It inverts the standard cellular information flow.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of reverse transcriptase?