Answer:
b) HIV is able to change its RNA into DNA to allow for replication by CD4+ cells
Step-by-step explanation:
The complete question is as follows:
A 19 year-old intravenous drug user was exposed to the HIV virus 3 weeks ago and is experiencing a rapid proliferation in viral load. Which of the following statements best captures an aspect of the process of HIV replication that underlies this proliferation?
a) Free HIV RNA is able to attach to the cell coat of CD4+ cells
b) HIV is able to change its RNA into DNA to allow for replication by CD4+ cells
c) Expression of reverse transcriptase by CD4+ cells allows replication of HIV cells rather than new lymphocytes.
d) The cytoplasm of CD4+ cells provides a protected environment for the replication of RNA by HIV.
- HIV is an RNA virus and for this virus to reproduce it is essential to convert to its genetic material that is RNA into DNA.
- The conversion of RNA to DNA is done by utilising the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
- The enzyme works by making a copy of the viral RNA and then makes a reverse copy so that a double stranded DNA is generated and this DNA is responsible for the replication of the virus.
- Thus, once the HIV RNA is able to replicate its RNA into DNA, it will able to replicate and thus, there will be rapid proliferation.