HIV replicates its genome using unique mechanisms. Which of the following statements regarding the same are correct?a)HIV is an enveloped virus.b)The virus contains an RNA dependent DNA polymerase.c)A DNA copy of the HIV genome integrates into the host cell DNA.d)The virus contains RNA polymerase.Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

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Answer

HIV Replication Mechanisms

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that replicates its genome using unique mechanisms. Let's examine each statement and explain why it is correct.

a) HIV is an enveloped virus:
HIV is indeed an enveloped virus. This means that it has an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane, which surrounds its protein capsid. The viral envelope plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to infect host cells by allowing it to fuse with the target cell membrane and enter the cell.

b) The virus contains an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase:
This statement is also correct. HIV encodes an enzyme called reverse transcriptase (RT), which is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Reverse transcriptase is responsible for the conversion of the viral RNA genome into DNA. It uses the viral RNA as a template to synthesize a complementary DNA strand, which is then used as a template to synthesize a double-stranded DNA molecule.

c) A DNA copy of the HIV genome integrates into the host cell DNA:
This statement is correct as well. After the reverse transcription process, the newly synthesized DNA copy of the HIV genome, known as the viral DNA, enters the host cell nucleus. Once inside the nucleus, an enzyme called integrase helps integrate the viral DNA into the host cell's chromosomal DNA. This integrated viral DNA is referred to as a provirus. The integration of the viral DNA into the host cell DNA allows the virus to establish a long-lasting infection and ensures that the viral genes are passed on to the host cell's daughter cells during cell division.

d) The virus contains RNA polymerase:
This statement is incorrect. While HIV does encode several viral proteins necessary for replication, including reverse transcriptase and integrase, it does not contain an RNA polymerase. The viral RNA genome is transcribed into mRNA by the host cell's RNA polymerase II, which is then used for the synthesis of viral proteins.

In summary, HIV is an enveloped virus that contains an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase). A DNA copy of the HIV genome integrates into the host cell DNA, forming a provirus. However, the virus does not contain an RNA polymerase.

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