Which enzyme is responsible for replicating the RNA genome of the HIV virus?

Reverse transcriptase

The correct answer is a) Reverse transcriptase.

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme responsible for the replication of the RNA genome of the HIV virus. HIV is a retrovirus, which means it contains RNA as its genetic material. Upon entering the host cell, the viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA using reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's DNA, where it can direct the infected cell to produce viral particles.

Reverse transcriptase is a unique enzyme because it synthesizes DNA using an RNA template, which is the reverse of the usual process in cellular DNA replication. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the life cycle of HIV and is a target for antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.