title: [Reverse transcriptase and its biological role].
abstract: Elements with open-reading translation frames homologous to retroviral RNA-dependent DNA polymerases (reverse transcriptases) were found in eukaryotic cell genomes. Expression of endogenous reverse transcriptases in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is confirmed directly and indirectly. Evolution and function of reverse transcriptases are analyzed, and their phylogenetic and ontogenetic role is evaluated.
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Ivanov
authors.forename: Iu V
authors.initials: IuV
authors.lastname: Il'in
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D011387:Prokaryotic Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase