Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 55%

After infecting host cells, how does the AIDS virus, which contains RNA, insert viral DNA into the host T-cell?

Rationale

Reverse transcriptase, an enzyme encoded by the virus, is responsible for inserting viral DNA into the host T-cell after the AIDS virus infects host cells.

The AIDS virus, also known as HIV, contains an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme transcribes the virus's RNA into DNA. The newly formed DNA is then inserted into the host T-cell's DNA, allowing the virus to replicate within the host cell.

A (Receptor proteins located on the surface of the virus) YOUR ANSWER

Receptor proteins on the surface of the virus do play a crucial role in the infection process, but not in the conversion of viral RNA to DNA or its subsequent insertion into the host cell's DNA. These proteins allow the virus to bind to the host cell and facilitate entry into the cell.

B (Reverse transcriptase, an enzyme encoded by the virus) CORRECT

As previously explained, reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that facilitates the transcription of the viral RNA into DNA. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's DNA, enabling the replication of the virus within the host cell.

C (The phospholipids found on the envelope of the virus) YOUR ANSWER

The phospholipids found on the envelope of the virus are structural components that help the virus enter the host cell. However, they do not play a direct role in the transcription of viral RNA to DNA or the insertion of this DNA into the host cell's DNA.

D (The protein that makes up the capsid of the virus) YOUR ANSWER

The protein that makes up the capsid of the virus is a structural protein that protects the viral genome. While this protein is crucial for the virus's survival and infectivity, it is not directly involved in the conversion of viral RNA into DNA or the insertion of this DNA into the host cell's DNA.

Conclusion

The process of inserting viral DNA into a host T-cell after the AIDS virus infects host cells is facilitated by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This enzyme is encoded by the virus and transcribes the virus's RNA into DNA. The DNA is then integrated into the host cell's DNA, allowing the virus to replicate. Other components of the virus, such as receptor proteins, phospholipids, and capsid proteins, have different roles in the viral life cycle and do not directly contribute to this specific process.

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