compare and contrast the mode of reproduction of a DNA virus with that of a typical RNA virus (retrovirus).

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "reproduction DNA RNA virus" to get this:

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=reproduction+DNA+RNA+virus&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

To compare and contrast the mode of reproduction of a DNA virus with that of a typical RNA virus (retrovirus), we first need to understand their distinct characteristics.

DNA Virus Reproduction:
1. Replication: DNA viruses use the host cell's machinery to replicate. The virus enters the host cell and releases its DNA, which gets transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) by the host cell's enzymes.
2. mRNA Translation: The host cell then translates the viral mRNA into viral proteins, which are necessary for the assembly of new viral particles.
3. Assembly: The newly synthesized viral components come together to form new virus particles.
4. Release: The host cell is usually destroyed, releasing the new virus particles to infect other cells.

Retrovirus Reproduction:
1. Reverse Transcription: Retroviruses, being RNA viruses, carry their genetic material as RNA. When a retrovirus enters a host cell, it contains an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which converts its RNA into DNA.
2. Integration: The newly formed viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, becoming a permanent part of the host's DNA.
3. Transcription and Translation: The host cell's enzymes transcribe and translate the viral DNA, producing new viral RNA and viral proteins, respectively.
4. Assembly: The viral RNA and proteins assemble to form new retrovirus particles.
5. Budding: The newly formed retrovirus particles bud out from the host cell's membrane, allowing them to infect other cells.

Comparisons:
1. Genetic Material: DNA viruses have DNA as their genetic material, while retroviruses have RNA. This difference affects both their replication processes.
2. Reverse Transcription: Retroviruses use reverse transcription to convert their RNA into DNA, a unique step not seen in DNA viruses.
3. Integration: Retroviruses integrate their DNA into the host's genome, allowing them to persist within the host for a long time. DNA viruses do not typically integrate into the host genome.

Contrasts:
1. Host Cell Machinery: DNA viruses rely on the host cell's enzymes and machinery for their replication. Retroviruses, along with host cell machinery, use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA.
2. Inheritance: Retroviral DNA can be passed on to subsequent generations of host cells, contributing to long-term persistence. DNA viruses do not become a part of the host's genome.
3. Release Method: DNA viruses usually cause the destruction of the host cell for release, while retroviruses bud out from the host cell's membrane without killing it.

In summary, the key differences between the mode of reproduction for a DNA virus and a retrovirus lie in their genetic material, the process of reverse transcription in retroviruses, integration into the host genome in retroviruses, and the release method of viral particles. Understanding these distinctions helps us compare and contrast their respective mechanisms of reproduction.