HIV Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are the 5 main structures of HIV?
Lipid envelope
RNA
Reverse Transcriptase
Capsid
Attachment Protein
Describe the replication of HIV.
- Attachment proteins attach to receptors on helper T cell.
- RNA enters cell
- Reverse transcriptase converts RNA to DNA
- Enzymes produced;
- Virus particles assembled and released from cell
Explain how HIV causes the symptoms of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV infects and kills helper T cells as it multiplies rapidly. So T helper cells can’t stimulate cytotoxic T cells, B cells and phagocytes. So B plasma cells can’t release as many antibodies for agglutination and destruction of pathogens. The immune system deteriorates making them more susceptible to infections. Pathogens reproduce releasing toxins and damaging cells.
Explain why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
Viruses don’t have bacterial enzymes/murein cell wall.
Viruses don’t have metabolic processes/ribosomes.
Why is it difficult to destroy a virus?
Viruses replicate inside of cells making it difficult to destroy without harming the host cells.
What is the capsid?
Outer protein coat.
What is the envelope?
Extra outer layer made out of membrane taken from the host’s cell membrane.
What is the protein attachments?
On the exterior of the envelope to enable the virus to attach to the host’s helper T cell.
Symptoms of HIV?
Fever
High Temp
Rash
Swollen Glands
(Flu-like symptoms)
What is AIDS?
The condition caused by infection with HIV. The replicating viruses in the helper T cells interfere with their normal functioning of the immune system.
How do people with AIDS get infections and cancer?
With the helper T cells being destroyed by the virus, the host is unable to produce an adequate immune response to other pathogens and is left vulnerable to infections and cancer.
