Question

Describe the structure of HIV with a diagram.

Answer 1

Structure of HIV:

1. The term HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, and the virus is oval in shape.
2. The virus has a capsid nucleus, which contains the genetic material and is surrounded by a protein envelope.
3. Many glycoprotein spikes are seen on the protein envelope.
4. The outer section of a glycoprotein termed gp120 is linked to the inner component of the glycoprotein, gp41.
5. Other proteins, such as Human Leucocyte Antigen, are found in the HIV envelope (HLA).
6. Two helices of folded RNA molecules make up the HIV genome.
7. The reverse transcriptase enzymes are present, and they are in charge of transforming RNA into DNA.
8. There is also an enzyme called integrase, which aids in the introduction of the viral genome into the host cell.

Diagram: