Once inside cell cytoplasm, viral nuclear material must be turned from RNA to DNA to allow recognition from human system
- Reverse transcriptase allows RNA to turn back into DNA
- HIV is therefore a retrovirus - contains RNA and uses reverse transcription
Once viral DNA strand is produced integrase (enzyme from HIV) allows viral DNA to be integrated into host cell DNA.
Once genome is integrated normal protein synthesis (transcription/translation) can occur, producing new viral components and eventually causing lysis (as mentioned in the lytic pathway)
REMEMBER
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) destroys the body's immune system through T lymphocyte destruction leaving the body vulnerable to illnesses such as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
HIV causes AIDS and it is this infection that leads to death, not HIV alone.
Comments
No comments have yet been made