A retroviral is any one of a group of viruses, many of which produce tumors, that contain RNA and reverse transcriptase (= an enzyme that copies RNA into DNA), including the virus that causes AIDS.
The virus was characterized as a retroviral, as it carries its genetic code in the form of RNA.
Most viruses store their genetic material on DNA, but HIV and other retrovirals store their genetic code on RNA.
A retroviral is any one of a group of viruses, many of which produce tumors, that contain RNAand reverse transcriptase, including the virus that causes AIDS.