The process by which RNA is transformed into DNA is known as what?

The process by which RNA is transformed into DNA is known as reverse transcription, and it is best described by the concept of transcription in the context of converting the genetic information that is encoded in RNA back into DNA. This process is crucial in certain viruses, like retroviruses, which utilize reverse transcription to integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA.

Transcription, in a broader sense, typically refers to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, but when discussing the context of RNA to DNA, it highlights the importance of the reverse flow of genetic information, which is not the standard pathway seen in most organisms where DNA is transcribed into RNA.

Understanding this process is essential in genetic studies and biotechnology, as it provides insight into how genetic information can be manipulated and used in various applications, including gene therapy and cloning. This context clarifies why transcription (and reverse transcription specifically) is central to the understanding of molecular biology.