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 involves the following stages:
Entry and Integration: The virus enters the host and binds to CD4 receptors on helper T-cells, delivering its RNA and viral enzymes into the cell. 

Reverse Transcription: Viral RNA is transformed into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. 

Integration: Viral DNA is incorporated into the host's genome with assistance from the integrase enzyme. 

Replication and Assembly: The host cell's machinery is utilized to synthesize viral RNA and proteins, leading to the assembly of new viruses. 

Release and Maturation: Newly formed viruses are released from the host cell via budding, prepared to infect additional cells. A decline in helper T-cells over time results in immune system collapse, known as AIDS.