Integrates its RNA genome into the host genome.
- first RNA to DNA with reverse transcriptase
- then injects DNA into host genome with integrase
Sounds complicated! The advantage is likely as in HIV: once inside the cell, it can remain hidden far away from the cell surface, but still infections.
Converts RNA to DNA, i.e. the inverse of transcription. Found in viruses such as Retrovirus, which includes e.g. HIV.