Explain how HIV infects the body once it has entered the host

HIV is a retrovirus that infects specifically T helper cells / CD4 cells in the body.the glycoprotein (envelope protein) on the surface of the virus is able to bind to receptors on CD4 cells, and causes the lipid membrane of the virus to fuse with the host cell membrane.capsid containing viral RNA and reverse transcriptase enter the host cellcDNA is synthesised from the viral DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptasecDNA and its complement form a double stranded viral DNA molecule and is transported into the host nucleusviral DNA is incorporated into the host DNAreliance on host transcription and translation machinery to synthesise viral components that is assembled to form a new viruseventually number of viruses within the cell exceed the space available, the cell swells and lyses, releasing viruses that are able to go on and infect more cells.

Answered by Xiaobo (Ivy) J. Biology tutor

1904 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the structure of a protein.


Describe how muscle cells contract


During anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Explain the significance of this reaction.


Describe the roll of kupffer cells in the liver


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences