Handout #3 - HIV Part 2- Questions Flashcards
Why is untreated HIV so dangerous?
It targets and destroys the immune system.
What increases risk of transmission of HIV?
The viral load of the infected person, frequency of exposure, not practising safe sex, other STI’s, any kind of injury, being the recipient partner.
What kind of genetic material does HIV carry?
RNA
How many genes does HIV have?
9 genes
Binding of the HIV virus to the co-receptors triggers fusion of viral and host cell membranes. What does this achieve?
It allows the entry of the capsid and all enzymes contained within the capsid, allowing it into the cell.
Some people have mutations in the co-receptors, what effect do these mutations have?
They are protective, the prevent HIV from attaching.
How does the HIV virus navigate to the nucleus?
It uses the cellular cytoskeleton.
How does HIV evade elimination?
Mutations.
