Retrovirus Memes

Molecular biology pickup lines just hit different! This is basically viral replication flirting - retroviruses package their RNA genome inside a nucleocapsid (protein shell) before infecting cells. The "kissing-loop complex" shown is a real RNA structure where complementary sequences form base pairs, creating loops that look like they're kissing. So they're essentially saying "what if we reproduced like viruses do?" Complete with the classic "haha jk...unless?" energy that perfectly captures awkward science courtship. The molecular equivalent of "you complete my strand."

The central dogma of molecular biology (DNA → RNA → protein) is like that friend who thinks they know all the rules until retroviruses show up at the party. Retroviruses, with their RNA genomes that convert back to DNA, just sit there smugly like that white cat, completely unbothered by your textbook definitions. They're basically the molecular biology equivalent of saying "actually..." at a department meeting. Twenty years in the lab and I still chuckle when students confidently recite the central dogma without mentioning these rebellious exceptions.