Zidovudine (AZT) is a drug used to treat patients with acquired immunodeficiency

Question

Zidovudine (AZT) is a drug used to treat patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AZT works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme used by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS. What type of transposable elements would be affected by AZT and what would be the most likely effect? All types of retrotransposons would be blocked at the reverse transcription step. Transposable elements that use an RNA intermediate for transposition would be affected, as the RNA intermediate would not be able to be converted into DNA. All transposable elements would be affected, as they would no longer be able to transpose to a new location. Transposable elements that transpose through a copy-and-paste mechanism would be blocked at the replication step. LTR retrotransposons only would be blocked at the reverse transcription step.

Explanation / Answer

Following two describes type of tranposable element affected and it's likely effect :

AZT would block all retrotransposons. This won't let formation of DNA from RNA. Consequently, all elements requiring RNA intermediate would be affected.

Correct options:

• All types of retrotransposons would be blocked at the reverse transcription step.
• Transposable elements that use an RNA intermediate for transposition would be affected, as the RNA intermediate would not be able to be converted into DNA.

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