Question

Describe the life cycle of HIV from the time of its entry into the human body till full-blown AIDS sets in.

Hint:

The progression from HIV infection to AIDS can take years and depends on the viral load and immune system strength.

Answer 1

The HIV life cycle can be summarized as follows: 
Entry and Integration: The virus enters the host body and attaches to CD4 receptors on helper T-cells. It injects its RNA and viral enzymes into the host cell. 

Reverse Transcription: Viral RNA is converted into DNA by reverse transcriptase. 

Integration: The viral DNA integrates into the host genome with the help of integrase enzyme. 

Replication and Assembly: The host cell machinery is used to produce viral RNA and proteins. New viruses are assembled. 

Release and Maturation: Newly formed viruses bud off from the host cell, ready to infect other cells. Over time, the number of helper T-cells decreases, leading to immune system failure (AIDS).