HIV

• Where do viruses replicate?

  Inside host cells.
• Why is it difficult to destroy viruses?

  We don't want to harm the host cell.
• What can't we use to destroy viruses?

  Antibiotics.
• Why can't antibiotics destroy viruses?

  They have different mechanisms to replicate than bacteria.
• What is the structure of HIV?

  They contain genetic material such as DNA or RNA, a viral tegument, a nucleocapsid, a viral genome, an envelope, and envelope proteins.
• What is at the core of HIV?

  Genetic materials such as RNA, and the enzyme reverse transcriptase which are needed for viral replication.
• What is the capsid?

  The outer protein coat.
• What is the envelope?

  An extra outer layer made out of membrane taken from the host cells membrane.
• What are attachment proteins?

  Proteins on the exterior of the envelope that enable the virus to attach to the host's helper T cell.
• How does HIV replicate in helper T cells?

  HIV is transported around the blood until it attaches to a CD4 protein on the helper T cell. The HIV protein capsule fuses with the helper T cell membrane enabling the RNA and enzymes to enter. The HIV enzyme reverse transcriptase copies the viral RNA into a DNA copy and moves into the helper T cell nucleus. Here mRNA is transcribed and the helper T cell starts to create viral components that destroy it.
• What is the host cell for HIV?

  A helper T cell.
• What is HIV classed as AIDS?


  When the replicating viruses in the helper T cells interfere with their normal functioning of the immune system?
• What develops due to AIDS?


  Tumors.
• What happens when helper T cells are destroyed by HIV?

  The host is unable to produce an adequate immune response and is left vulnerable to infections and cancer.