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Describe how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is replicated once inside helper T cells (T_h cells) - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 3
Question 2
Describe how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is replicated once inside helper T cells (T_h cells). HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV. HIV-1 binds to a rec... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is replicated once inside helper T cells (T_h cells) - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 3
Step 1
How HIV-1 is replicated inside T_h cells
Answer
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HIV-1 RNA is converted into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is integral for the viral replication process.
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The newly synthesized DNA is then incorporated into the host helper T cell's DNA, specifically into its chromosome or genomic structure.
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Following integration, the DNA is transcribed into HIV mRNA within the T_h cells.
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Finally, this HIV mRNA is translated to produce new HIV proteins and viral particles, facilitating the assembly of new virions within the host cell.