Reverse transcriptase creates single-stranded DNA from an RNA template. The enzyme is encoded and used by reverse-transcribing viruses, which use the enzyme during the process of replication. Reverse-transcribing RNA viruses, such as retroviruses, use the enzyme to reverse-transcribe their RNA genomes into DNA, which is then integrated into the host genome and replicated along with it. Reverse-transcribing DNA viruses, such as the hepadnaviruses, can allow RNA to serve as a template in assembling, and making DNA strands. HIV infects humans with the use of this enzyme. Alternative Names: HIV 1-RT protein, HIV 1-RT, HIV1 RT protein, HIV-1 RT, HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase protein, HIV1-RT, HIV-1 RT protein, HIV1RT protein