Why don't RNA viruses undergo provirus formation?

Answer 1

RNA viruses typically do not undergo provirus formation because they replicate their RNA genomes directly within the host cell's cytoplasm, rather than integrating into the host's DNA. While some RNA viruses, like retroviruses, can convert their RNA into DNA and integrate into the host genome, most RNA viruses do not possess the necessary reverse transcriptase enzyme and integration machinery. Consequently, they replicate and produce new viral particles without the stable, long-term presence in the host's genetic material that characterizes provirus formation.