Which enzyme is unique for its ability to synthesize a DNA strand using an RNA template?

Correct answer: Reverse transcriptase

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes a DNA strand using an RNA template — the hallmark of retroviruses like HIV. DNA Polymerase I and RNA Polymerase III work only on DNA or RNA templates in the conventional direction; primase lays down short RNA primers but cannot use RNA as a template for sustained DNA synthesis.