HIV structuture Flashcards
What genes are present in the HIV genome?
The HIV genome contains the typical retroviral genes gag, pol, and env flanked by long terminal repeats (LTRs).
What does the gag gene code for?
The gag gene codes for the structural proteins capsid (CA), matrix (MA), and nucleocapsid (NC).
What enzymes are encoded by the pol gene?
The pol gene encodes the enzymes reverse transcriptase (RT), protease (PR), and integrase (IN).
Which glycoproteins are encoded by the env gene?
The env gene encodes the glycoproteins gp120 and gp41.
How many regulatory genes does HIV have and what are they?
A
: HIV has six regulatory genes: tat, rev, nef, vif, vpr, and vpu.
What is the function of the Tat protein in HIV?
Tat enhances proviral transcription.
What role does the Rev protein play in HIV?
Rev is essential for the export of incompletely or unspliced viral mRNAs into the cytoplasm.
Why are the remaining regulatory genes called “accessory” genes?
They are called “accessory” because they are not absolutely required for replication in some cell culture systems but are essential for viral spread in vivo.
To which genus and family does HIV-1 belong?
HIV-1 belongs to the Lentivirus genus of the Retroviridae family
Describe the shape and size of the HIV virion.
The HIV virion has a spherical shape and a diameter of about 100–130 nm.
What composes the viral envelope of HIV?
The viral envelope is composed of a lipid membrane derived from the host cell and contains cellular proteins and about 7–12 trimeric complexes of viral envelope (Env) protein.
What are the components of the Env protein in HIV?
Env consists of the external glycoprotein 120 (gp120) and the transmembrane glycoprotein 41 (gp41).
What is the role of gp120 in HIV?
Gp120 mediates viral attachment.
What is the function of gp41 in HIV?
Gp41 is critical for viral fusion.
With which protein is gp41 associated in HIV?
Gp41 is associated with the viral p17 matrix protein.
