Human Immunodeficiency Virus Flashcards

1
Q

What is the structure of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus?

A

-Outer lipid envelope with attachment proteins embedded within it
-Protein layer within (Capsid) encloses two single strands of RNA and reverse transcriptase
-Reverse transcriptase can catalyse the production of DNA from RNA
-‘Retrovirus’

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2
Q

How does the Human Immunodeficiency Virus replicate?

A

-HIV enters the body and circulates via the bloodstream
-CD4 protein readily binds to the attachment protein
-The protein capsid fuses with the cell surface membrane, allowing for the RNA and enzymes of HIV enter the helper T cell
-The HIV reverse transcriptase converts the virus’s RNA to DNA
-Newly made DNA is inserted into the cell’s nucleus and is inserted into its DNA
-HIV DNA creates mRNA which allows for new HIV particles to be created
-These then break away with a part of the cell surface membrane forming their lipid envelope

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3
Q

How does HIV cause AIDS?

A

HIV causes AIDS by killing or interfering with the normal functioning of helper T cells.

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4
Q

How is AIDS controlled and treated?

A

AIDS treatment involves antiretroviral therapy.

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5
Q

How does the ELISA test work?

A

-Apply sample to surface to which the antigens will attach
-Wash the surface several times to remove any unattached antigens
-Add the antibody that is specific to the antigen that we are trying to detect
-Wash the surface to remove any unattached antibodies
-Add a second antibody with enzyme attached to the first antibody
-Add a colourless substrate of the enzyme, which will then be turned into a coloured product
-The amount of antigen present is relative to the intensity of the colour that develops

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6
Q

Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral disease?

A

Viruses have no metabolic mechanisms for an antibiotic to disrupt, therefore rendering it useless against a virus.

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