provirus
- n cDNA copy of the RNA genome of a retrovirus; the genetic material of a virus as incorporated into and able to replicate with the genome of a host cell
- It would thus be akin to a "provirus" found in some plants and flies.
- One partial explanation may lie in the ability of new "provirus" particles to remain undetected in cells, doing no evident damage until they are stimulated by chemicals or X rays.