The replication cycle of a retrovirus begins when the virus infects a normal cell . The viral RNA is introduced into the cytoplasm . This RNA is then converted into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase . The newly formed viral DNA is incorporated into the host's genome (E), becoming a part of the cell's genetic material. This integrated viral DNA is used as a template to produce new viral RNA , which is then packaged into new viruses. These new viruses are released from the cell and are capable of infecting other cells, continuing the cycle of replication.