Talk:Reverse transcription

Integrating the diagram

Filip em created an excellent diagram of the reverse transcription process. Unfortunately, it does not quite match the steps outlined in our article here. Someone should try to reformulate our list of steps so that it syncs with the steps in the diagram. The steps in the diagram description are given below:

1. Strong stop complementary DNA (cDNA) is formed.
2. Template in RNA:DNA hybrid is degraded by RNase H domain of reverse transcriptase.
3. DNA:tRNA is transferred to the 3'-end of the template (synthesis "jumps").
4. First strand synthesis takes place.
5. The rest of viral ssRNA is degraded by RNase H, except for PP site.
6. Synthesis of second strand of ssDNA is initiated from the 3'-end of the template. tRNA is necessary to synthesis of complementary PBS
7. tRNA is degraded
8. After another "jump", PBS from the second strand hybridizes with the complementary PBS on the first strand.
9. Synthesis of both strands is completed by the DNAP function of reverse transcriptase. Both dsDNA ends have U3-R-U5 sequences, so called long terminal repat sequences (3'LTR and 5'LTR, respectively). LTRs mediate integration of the retroviral DNA into another region of the host genome.

I'm reluctant to simply replace our list with his since in some cases our list of steps is better written and easier for a layman to follow. I also don't have enough knowledge of molecular biology myself to undertake such an integration. Once the steps are synced with the diagram, I would also suggest increasing the size of the diagram image so that the numbers are readable. Kaldari (talk) 02:45, 25 February 2009 (UTC)