The Human Immunodeficiency Virus And Mutations

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RNA templates to produce DNA. For example,
within the core of HIV is a double molecule of ribonucleic acid, RNA.
When the virus invades a cell, this genetic material is replicated in the
form of DNA . But, in order to do so, HIV must first be able to produce a
particular enzyme that can construct a DNA molecule using an RNA template.
This enzyme, called RNA-directed DNA polymerase, is also referred to as
reverse transcriptase because it reverses the normal cellular process of
transcription. The DNA molecules produced by reverse transcription are
then inserted into the genetic material of the host cell, where they are
co-replicated with the host's chromosomes; they are thereby distributed to
all daughter cells during subsequent cell divisions. Then in one or more
of these daughter cells, the virus produces RNA copies of its genetic
material. These new HIV clones become covered with protein coats and leave
the cell to find other host cells where they can repeat the life ...

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ready to move quickly should the
same virus once again invade the body.

HIV’s Life Cycle

In the initial stage of HIV infection, the virus colonizes helper T
cells, specifically CD4+ cells, and macrophages, while replicating itself
relatively unnoticed. As the amount of the virus soars, the number of
helper cells falls; macrophages die as well. The infected T cells perish
as thousands of new viral particles erupt from the cell membrane. Soon,
though, cytotoxic T and B lymphocytes kill many virus-infected cells and
viral particles. These effects limit viral growth and allow the body an
opportunity to temporarily restore its supply of helper cells to almost
normal ...

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