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.

X(
Answered by Xiaobo (Ivy) J. Biology tutor

2521 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain how substances dissolved in blood plasma, such as oxygen and glucose enter the tissue fluid from the capillaries.


Which organelle in the cell is responsible for supporting its 3D structure?


How does blood flow through the heart?


How does light intensity control plant seed germination?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning