Question

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

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

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and interferes with the body's ability to fight infection. The HIV infects macrophages and T_H cells and upon infection, it inactivates these cells and hence, suppresses the immune system.
The structure of the virus is such that it is enveloped with a viral envelope (consists of a 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 a template.