What organisms have reverse transcriptase?

Reverse transcriptases have been found in various organisms such as animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses. In viruses, reverse transcriptase is particularly common among retroviruses, which use this enzyme to convert their RNA genome into DNA upon infection of host cells. Eukaryotes possess a specialized reverse transcriptase called telomerase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in regulating chromosomes and contributes to cellular aging. In plants, retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that can move within the genome via a process involving reverse transcription. Retrotransposons contribute to genetic diversity and evolution in plants. Examples of reverse transcriptase activity in bacteria include E coli. and myxobacteria.