Question

Explain the process of replication of a retrovirus after it gains entry into the human body.

Answer 1

The HIV virus attacks the macrophages cells in the human body.
(i) RNA is replicated to form viral DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
(ii) Viral DNA now gets incorporated into the host cell’s DNA and directs the infected cells to produce viruses.
(iii) Macrophages continue to produce virus particles and function as HIV factories.
(iv) The virus particles enter helper T-lymphocytes in the blood, where they continue to replicate and produce viral progenies.
(v)The number of helper T-lymphocytes progressively decreases in the body of the infected person. With the decrease in the number of T-cells, immunity also decreases. The person is unable to produce an immune response even against common bacteria