Human Immunodeficiency Virus Flashcards
What is the structure of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus?
-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’
How does the Human Immunodeficiency Virus replicate?
-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
How does HIV cause AIDS?
HIV causes AIDS by killing or interfering with the normal functioning of helper T cells.
How is AIDS controlled and treated?
AIDS treatment involves antiretroviral therapy.
How does the ELISA test work?
-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
Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral disease?
Viruses have no metabolic mechanisms for an antibiotic to disrupt, therefore rendering it useless against a virus.