HIV Flashcards

1
Q

What is a retrovirus?

A

A virus that contains the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which causes the reaction that turns viral RNA into a complementary strand of DNA.

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2
Q

After infection, what is the first thing HIV does inside the body?

A

Binds to a CD4 protein on a host cell. Most typically this is a T-helper cell

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3
Q

After binding to the CD4 protein, what does HIV do next?

A

The protein capsid fuses to the host cell’s cell-surface membrane and released its RNA and enzymes into the host cell

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4
Q

When inside the cell, what do the RNA and enzymes do?

A

Turn the viral RNA into a complementary strand of DNA

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5
Q

After the DNA is formed, where does it move to?

A

the host (T-helper) cell’s nucleus. Here it is inserted into the cell’s DNA

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6
Q

Outline how HIV replicates using Th cells?

A
  • HIV enters the bloodstream
  • the attachment proteins on HIV bind to CD4 protein on Th cell’s cell-surface membrane
  • the capsid fuses with the Th cell’s cell membrane
  • the viral RNA and reverse transcriptase enter the Th cell
  • HIV RNA converted into HIV DNA , using reverse transcriptase
  • HIV DNA moves into nucleus and binds to Th cell DNA
  • HIV mRNA is made, which contains the instructions for the formation of viral proteins (enzymes, attachment proteins, reverse transcriptase, capsid)
  • new HIV particle formed
  • HIV leaves the Th cell, taking some of it’s cell surface membrane with it (budding)
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7
Q

Why do you wash in between steps in the ELISA test?

A

to remove any unbound antibodies, preventing false positive results

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8
Q

Describe the structure of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

A

-RNA (as genetic material);
-Reverse transcriptase;
- (Protein) capsomeres/capsid;
-(Phospho)lipid (viral) envelope
- Attachment proteins;

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9
Q

How is the ELISA test shows the presence of HIV antibodies?

A
  • HIV antigens bound to bottom
  • sample added
  • HIV antibodies bind to the HIV antigens
  • secondary antibodies added with an enzyme attached
  • will bind to primary antibodies
  • substrate added = colour change
    WASH BETWEEN STEPS
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10
Q

How does a control show that the ELISA test has worked?

A

shows that the sample has diffused/moved

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11
Q

Why are viruses described as acellular and non-living?

A
  • no cell-membranes
  • do not respire or synthesise own proteins
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