Once in the body, HIV needs a host to help it
reproduction, the host in the case of HIV is the T-cells or CD4 cells. HIV
seeks out CD4 cells and must attach to them by a way of a “lock and key” type
system. Protein on the surface of HIV attach to complimentary proteins on the
CD4 cell much like the way a key fit into a lock.
reproduction, the host in the case of HIV is the T-cells or CD4 cells. HIV
seeks out CD4 cells and must attach to them by a way of a “lock and key” type
system. Protein on the surface of HIV attach to complimentary proteins on the
CD4 cell much like the way a key fit into a lock.
1.
Viral Fusion and Penetration: Once attached to the cellular fluids (cytoplasm) of
the T-cell, this cause a fusion of the cell membrane to the outer envelop of
HIV. In order to use it genetic material (RNA) for reproduction, the protective
coating surrounding the RNA must be dissolved. Without this step, conversion of
RNA to DNA (the building blocks of new HIV copies) can’t take place, and
reproduction is halted.
Viral Fusion and Penetration: Once attached to the cellular fluids (cytoplasm) of
the T-cell, this cause a fusion of the cell membrane to the outer envelop of
HIV. In order to use it genetic material (RNA) for reproduction, the protective
coating surrounding the RNA must be dissolved. Without this step, conversion of
RNA to DNA (the building blocks of new HIV copies) can’t take place, and
reproduction is halted.
2.
Reverse Transcription: Once in the cell, the single stranded RNA of the
HIV must be converted to double stranded DNA. It accomplishes this with the
help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase uses building
blocks from the T-cell to help change the HIV to DNA. The DNA contains the
genetic information needed for HIV reproduction.
Reverse Transcription: Once in the cell, the single stranded RNA of the
HIV must be converted to double stranded DNA. It accomplishes this with the
help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase uses building
blocks from the T-cell to help change the HIV to DNA. The DNA contains the
genetic information needed for HIV reproduction.
3.
Integration: To use the cell to produce, it must integrate the
newly formed DNA into the cell nucleus; while the process is not fully
understood, it is thought to be aided by transport protein supplied by HIV. The
process is carried out by the enzyme integrase.
Integration: To use the cell to produce, it must integrate the
newly formed DNA into the cell nucleus; while the process is not fully
understood, it is thought to be aided by transport protein supplied by HIV. The
process is carried out by the enzyme integrase.
4.
Viral Latency: Once integration has occurred; HIV must wait for
more protein building blocks to be formed by the cells or in other works, HIV
is waiting for materials it needs to complete the reproductive process.
Viral Latency: Once integration has occurred; HIV must wait for
more protein building blocks to be formed by the cells or in other works, HIV
is waiting for materials it needs to complete the reproductive process.
5.
Final Assembly: Now that all the materials are available, they must
be separated and assembled into new HIV. This process is possible because of
the enzyme protease. These enzymes separate the parts allowing them to be reassembled
into new HIV.
Final Assembly: Now that all the materials are available, they must
be separated and assembled into new HIV. This process is possible because of
the enzyme protease. These enzymes separate the parts allowing them to be reassembled
into new HIV.
6.
Budding: The final step of the viral life cycle is called
budding; with its genetic material tucked away and a new outer coat made from
the host CD4 cells membrane, the newly formed HIV pinches off and enters into
circulation and ready to start the whole process again .
Budding: The final step of the viral life cycle is called
budding; with its genetic material tucked away and a new outer coat made from
the host CD4 cells membrane, the newly formed HIV pinches off and enters into
circulation and ready to start the whole process again .
