Structure of HIV

Structure of HIV The human immunodeficiency virus belongs to the genus Lentivirus . When observed under the electron microscope, HIV is seen as a spherical virus, - nm in diameter, containing a dense core surrounded by a lipoprotein envelope. The envelope has glycoprotein (gp) spikes termed gp and gp . At the core, there are two large single stranded RNA . Attached to the RNA are molecules of reverse transcriptase. It also contains enzymes like protease and ribonuclease. The core is covered by a capsid made of proteins. This is followed by another layer of matrix proteins as shown in the Fig . . Reverse transcriptase gp120 Capsid protein Matrix protein Two single-stranded RNAs gp41 Lipid bilayer Fig. . Structure of HIV