Question

Indicate whether a characteristic is unique to HIV, unique to SARS-CoV-2, or shared by both viruses by placing a check mark in

the boxes. For HIV OR SARS-CoV-2

Characteristic of the Virus
(+)ssRNA genome

contains spike proteins in its envelope

gains viral entry through ACE2 proteins

infects T-cells

causes AIDS

Answer 1

Both HIV and SARS-CoV-2 are enveloped viruses with (+)ssRNA genomes and contain spike proteins, but only SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 proteins to enter cells. HIV specifically infects T-cells and is the sole cause of AIDS.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asked to classify characteristics as unique to HIV, unique to SARS-CoV-2, or shared by both viruses. Let's address each characteristic:

• (+)ssRNA genome: Both HIV and SARS-CoV-2 have a positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome, so this characteristic is shared by both viruses.
• Contains spike proteins in its envelope: Both viruses have spike proteins; however, only SARS-CoV-2 is known to use these to gain entry through the ACE2 proteins, which are abundant on certain human cell surfaces. Therefore, this characteristic is shared by both, but the mechanism of entry regarding ACE2 is unique to SARS-CoV-2.
• Gains viral entry through ACE2 proteins: This characteristic is unique to SARS-CoV-2, which uses the ACE2 receptor to enter cells.
• Infects T-cells: This is a characteristic unique to HIV, as it primarily targets CD4+ T-cells.
• Causes AIDS: Only HIV causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), so this characteristic is unique to HIV.