Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 41%

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.

After the AIDS virus enters a host T-cell, reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA into DNA, which is then integrated into the host's genome. This process is crucial for the replication of the virus within the host cell, allowing it to hijack the cellular machinery to produce new viral particles.

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

Receptor proteins facilitate the binding of the virus to host cells, but they do not play a direct role in the insertion of viral DNA into the host cell. Instead, they are essential for the initial stage of viral entry, allowing the virus to attach but not to integrate its genetic material.

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

This enzyme is specifically responsible for synthesizing DNA from the viral RNA after the virus has entered the host cell. It is a key player in the retroviral lifecycle, enabling the conversion of RNA into DNA, which can then be integrated into the host's genome and facilitate viral replication.

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

The phospholipid bilayer of the viral envelope is important for the virus's ability to fuse with the host cell membrane, allowing entry into the cell. However, these lipids do not participate in the process of integrating viral genetic material into the host's DNA.

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

While the capsid protects the viral RNA and plays a role in the virus's structure and stability, it does not directly contribute to the insertion of viral DNA into the host cell. The capsid disassembles once inside the host, releasing the RNA and associated enzymes necessary for reverse transcription.

Conclusion

The integration of viral DNA into host T-cells by the AIDS virus hinges on the action of reverse transcriptase, which converts RNA to DNA. Other components of the virus, such as receptor proteins, phospholipids, and the capsid, are involved in the viral entry process but do not facilitate the crucial step of DNA insertion. Understanding this mechanism is vital for developing therapies targeting HIV and other retroviruses.

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