From the Guidelines
Answer
The virus that does not have DNA polymerase is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as it is an RNA virus that uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA [ 1 ].
Details
- HIV is a retrovirus, which means it has an RNA genome that is converted into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase [ 1 ].
- Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is also a retrovirus, but it is not the answer to this question because it also uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA [ 1 ].
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Adenovirus are DNA viruses, which means they have DNA polymerase [not mentioned in the provided evidence, but basic virology knowledge].
- The key point here is that HIV does not have DNA polymerase because it is an RNA virus, whereas the other options are either DNA viruses or also use reverse transcriptase like HIV.
Evidence Quality
The evidence provided is of high quality, with studies published in reputable journals such as Clinical Infectious Diseases and MMWR Recommendations and Reports [ 1, 1 ]. However, it's worth noting that the evidence is somewhat outdated, with the most recent study being from 2013. Nevertheless, the basic virology of HIV and other viruses has not changed significantly since then.
From the Research
Virus Characteristics
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has DNA polymerase, as it is a reverse transcriptase that possesses DNA polymerase and RNase H domains 2, 3, 4.
- Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is also a retrovirus, and like HIV, it is expected to have reverse transcriptase activity, which includes DNA polymerase.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Adenovirus are DNA viruses, but the question is about the presence of DNA polymerase.
- EBV has its own DNA polymerase, as it is a herpesvirus that replicates using its own DNA replication machinery.
- Adenovirus also has its own DNA polymerase, as it is a DNA virus that replicates in the nucleus of infected cells.
Viruses without DNA Polymerase
- None of the viruses mentioned (HIV, HTLV, EBV, Adenovirus) are known to lack DNA polymerase, as they all have mechanisms for replicating their genetic material.
- However, it is worth noting that retroviruses like HIV and HTLV use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genomes into DNA, whereas DNA viruses like EBV and Adenovirus use their own DNA polymerase for replication.
- Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to definitively say which virus does not have DNA polymerase, as all of the mentioned viruses have been shown to have some form of DNA polymerase activity 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.