5.8 - HIV

Question 1

What type of virus is HIV?

What’s it’s full name?

Answer 1

Human immunodeficiency virus

Question 2

What does HIV weaken?

Answer 2

The immune system

Question 3

What are the components of HIV?

5 components

Answer 3

• Genetic material - Two single strands of RNA.
• Enzymes - One of these enzymes is reverse transcriptase, which allows the virus to convert RNA into DNA.
• Capsid - A layer of protein molecules that surrounds and protects the genetic material.
• Envelope - An outer layer made up of phospholipids.
• Glycoproteins - Also known as attachment proteins or envelope proteins, these help the virus to bind to host cells.

Question 4

What is the genetic material of HIV?

Answer 4

Two single strands of RNA

Question 5

What enzyme does HIV contain?

Answer 5

Reverse transcriptase

Question 6

What is the function of reverse transcriptase?

Answer 6

Converts RNA into DNA

Question 7

What is the capsid of HIV?

Answer 7

Protein layer protecting genetic material

Question 8

What is the envelope of HIV?

Answer 8

Outer layer made of phospholipids

Question 9

What are glycoproteins on HIV?

Answer 9

Attachment proteins that help bind to host cells

Question 10

What type of cells does HIV use as host cells?

Answer 10

Helper T cells

Question 11

What happens during HIV replication?

7 stages

Answer 11

1. Attachment proteins on the HIV attach to receptors on a helper T cell.
2. HIV releases its RNA into the helper T cell.
3. Reverse transcriptase converts this RNA into DNA.
4. The viral DNA is inserted into the helper T cell’s genome.
5. The helper T cell’s DNA is translated to make viral proteins.
6. The proteins are used to assemble new HIV particles.
7. Fully assembled HIV particles leave the cell in order to infect other cells.

Question 12

What are the stages of HIV infection?

Answer 12

Stage 1 - Transmission
Stage 2 - Acute infection
Stage 3 - Latency period
Stage 4 - AIDS Development

Question 13

How is HIV transmitted?

Answer 13

Direct contact with bodily fluids

Question 14

What happens during acute infection?

Answer 14

Rapid HIV replication

Question 15

What happens during the latency period?

Answer 15

Low HIV replication

Question 16

What happens during AIDS development?

Answer 16

HIV reactivates and destroys helper T cells

Question 17

What is the treatment for HIV/AIDS?

Answer 17

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Question 18

What does ART do?

Answer 18

Reduces viral replication