Question

Explain the mechanism by which HIV multiplies and leads to AIDS.

Answer 1

AIDS is a lethal disease caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus). The HIV virus contains two ssRNA molecules. The HIV attacks the T-cells and macrophages. The viral RNA is converted to the viral DNA. The enzyme reverse transcriptase is responsible for synthesizing the complementary DNA from the viral RNA. The enzyme integrase help in integration of the viral DNA in the genome of the host cell. This structure is known as the provirus which synthesizes all the proteins of the virus by transcription and translation. The virus particles are formed and released from the infected cells. The virus infects the other T-cells. There is a reduction in the number of T-cells which can recognize and act against the viral particles and other pathogens. This results in a decrease in the immunity and the person suffer from AIDS.