Question

Identify A, B, C, D, and E in the below diagram of the HIV virus.

(a)A – RNA, B – Reverse transcriptase, C – Capsule protein coat, D – Lipid membrane, E – Envelope protein coat
(b)A – RNA, B – Reverse transcriptase, C – Lipid membrane, D – Envelope protein coat, E – Capsule protein coat,
(c) A – Reverse transcriptase, B – Lipid membrane, C – RNA, D – Capsule protein coat, E – Envelope protein coat
(d)A – RNA, B – Reverse transcriptase, C – Envelope protein coat, D – Lipid membrane, E – Capsule protein coat

Answer 1

HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is an RNA virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS in humans. During replication, it undergoes a process called reverse transcription that replicates its RNA. The structure of the virus has an inner capsule and an outer protective membrane.

Complete answer:
HIV is an example of retroviruses. These viruses have their genetic material in the form of two single-stranded RNA molecules. But at the time of replication, they undergo reverse transcription to form double-stranded DNA in the host cell. This process occurs with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The genetic material and the reverse transcriptase enzyme are enclosed within a protein capsule called the capsid.
The capsid is surrounded by a matrix that is then covered by an outer envelope which is made up of lipids. The membrane is embedded with certain envelope proteins. This envelope protein coat also has certain glycoprotein spikes embedded into it. Thus, from inside to outside, the HIV structure is composed of two single-stranded RNA molecules with molecules of reverse transcriptase enzyme, a capsid, a capsule protein coat, a lipid membrane that is again covered by an envelope protein.
So, the correct answer is, “A – RNA, B – Reverse transcriptase, C – Capsule protein coat, D – Lipid membrane, E – Envelope protein coat.”

Note: -The HIV structure has glycoprotein spikes embedded within the envelope. They are made of gp120 proteins which are connected to the capsule protein coat made of gp41 proteins.
-The envelope also has other proteins such as the Human Leukocyte Antigen which induces the immune response.
-The virus also has another enzyme called the integrase which helps to introduce the viral genome into the host cell genome.