Question

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) contains a protein coat, genetic material and has a horse chestnut shaped
A. Double stranded DNA
B. Single stranded DNA
C. Single stranded RNA
D. Double stranded RNA

Answer 1

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) causes the deadly disease, AIDS ( acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It was first reported in the United States in 1981 and caused death for millions of people till now.

Complete step by step answer:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a RNA virus that causes AIDS. Genetic material of HIV is RNA and it is covered by a protein coat. It also has a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme helps for the synthesis of DNA from RNA by this virus. Note that the RNA present in HIV virus is single stranded unlike that of human DNA which is double stranded.
HIV virus belongs to the group of viruses called retroviruses. It mainly infects the immune system and the patient dies of severe immunodeficiency. The primary site of infection is macrophages. The viral DNA is incorporated with the DNA of the macrophages. These macrophages are now under the control of viruses and they produce more virus particles. The newly formed viruses invade the helper T cells. Severe decrease in the number of helper T cells result in inappropriate functioning of the immune system.
HIV virus is transmitted from one person to another in many ways. It includes intimate sexual contact, blood transfusions, sharing infected needles and surgical instruments and from HIV infected mothers to the foetus.

Hence the correct option is C.

Note:
ELISA is the name of the test done to identify the presence of HIV virus. It is the short name of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The confirmation test for AIDS is PCR test( polymerase chain reaction).