What is the role of reverse transcriptase in retroviral infections?

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme essential for retroviral infections, as it converts the viral RNA genome into DNA after the virus enters a host cell. This newly synthesized DNA is then integrated into the host's genome, allowing the virus to hijack the host's cellular machinery for replication and production of new viral particles. Without reverse transcriptase, retroviruses would be unable to replicate effectively within host cells.