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 r... 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
RNA converted into DNA using reverse transcriptase
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Answer
Once HIV-1 enters a helper T cell, its RNA genome is reverse transcribed into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Step 2
DNA incorporated into host cell DNA
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The newly formed DNA is then integrated into the T cell's own DNA, allowing the virus to hijack the cell's machinery.
Step 3
DNA transcribed into HIV mRNA
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Following integration, the viral DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the host cell nucleus.
Step 4
HIV mRNA translated into new HIV/viral proteins
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The mRNA is then translated into viral proteins, which assemble to form new viral particles, ultimately leading to the release of new virions from the host cell.
