These retroviruses are considered more dangerous than regular viruses because once these viruses invade the cell, they have an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase (for the HIV virus), which forces the cell to create viral DNA strands from the original viral RNA genome. Once this viral DNA is produced, they integrate with the host cell's and take over the cell's functions. In this form, the virus is known as a provirus. The provirus lives in the host cell for as long as it can, and occasionally it transribes some viral RNA which leaves through capsids and goes off to infect other cells. They slowly multiply and, hosting your body for a longer period than other viruses, they get to adapt to your body better, thus infecting you more so. Also, UV radiation can trigger a provirus to start the lysogenic cycle (viral reproduction), so for tanner's this would be even worse news.
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because retroviruses use RNA to basically change the DNA code so that it will produce the retrovirus, which results in the retrovirus being able to pass down. DNA is the genetic code, a retrovirus injects its RNA into the cell, which will create a DNA sequence. The sequence will then quickly replicate itself and it will now be a part of your genes, it can essentially be passed to offspring. That's why its so much more dangerous.
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No. Pathogenic viruses are dangerous in their own ways, regardless of taxonomy. In fact, there are only 2 acknowledged retroviruses that currently infect humans. When you consider the historical body count of viruses - Influenza, Small Pox, and Polio are probably the most concerning.
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Yes. Because when infected you suddenly look horribly retro. Kind of like "That 70s Show' where the set designers couldn't decide if it was '71 or '75 or '79 and so just mixed it all in.
I'd prefer a much quicker and more merciful death than that.
I'd prefer a much quicker and more merciful death than that.