Question

Which of the following is correct regarding AIDS causative agent HIV?

• A. HIV is unenveloped retrovirus.
• B. HIV does not escape but attacks the acquired immune response.
• C. HIV is enveloped virus containing one molecule of single-stranded RNA and one molecule of reverse transcription.
• D. HIV is enveloped virus that contains two identical molecules of single-stranded RNA and two molecules of reverse transcription.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

HIV is enveloped virus that contains two identical molecules of single-stranded RNA and two molecules of reverse transcription.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and interferes with the body's ability to fight infection.

The structure of the virus is such that it is enveloped with a viral envelope (consists of bilipid layer and proteins) inside which two identical molecules of single-stranded RNA molecules and two molecules of reverse transcriptase are present. The reverse transcriptase enzyme generates viral DNA inside the host by using viral RNA as template.

So, the correct answer is 'HIV is enveloped virus that contains two identical molecules of single-stranded RNA and two molecules of reverse transcription'.