Describe how HIV replicates in the human body

The HIV life style has 7 stages. The first is binding: HIV has glycoproteins embedded in the membrane that help it to bind to CD4 receptors on the surface of a human cell. Next, the HIV envelope and human cell membrane fuse together to allow the HIV to enter the cell. HIV genetic material is RNA and human genetic material is DNA therefore, an enzyme called Reverse Transcriptase is used to convert the viral RNA into DNA. This allows the HIV genetic material to enter the nucleus of the human cell and combine with the cell DNA. HIV releaseas an integrase enzyme that inserts the viral DNA into the human DNA. The HIV uses the human cell replication machinery to produce many HIV protein products which are the units to make up more virus. The replicated HIV proteins containing HIV RNA becomes an immature HIV. This HIV buds off the cell membrane. It uses protease to hydrolyse the protein chain of the immature HIV protein to produce smaller proteins which form to become mature HIV.

MM
Answered by Maree M. Biology tutor

8596 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does does changing the pH affect the activity of an enzyme?


Explain why the tidal volume and breathing rate increase over the course of a spirometer experiment?


What are gene mutations?


Describe how ACh transmits nerve impulses across Cholinergic Synapse


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning