Q.Sketch and label the 'Structure of HIV'.

HIV is a spherical, enveloped retrovirus: an outer lipid envelope studded with glycoprotein spikes (gp120 head on a gp41 stalk) for host-cell attachment, a matrix protein layer beneath it, and a cone-shaped protein ca...

HIV's key structural features are its envelope glycoprotein spikes, protein capsid, RNA genome, and characteristic viral enzymes.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a spherical, enveloped retrovirus roughly 100-120 nm in diameter. Its outermost layer is a lipid envelope, derived from the host cell's plasma membrane when the virus buds off an infected cell; embedded in this envelope are glycoprotein spikes, each composed of an outer glycoprotein (gp120), which recognises and binds to the CD4 receptor (and a co-receptor) on host helper T-cells, anchored by a transmembrane glycoprotein (gp41) that spans the envelope. Just beneath the envelope lies a layer of matrix protein (p17), which provides structural support. Inside this is the cone-shaped viral core or capsid, made of capsid protein (p24), which encloses the viral genome — two identical copies of single-stranded RNA, bound to nucleocapsid proteins — together with three essential viral enzymes carried within the core: reverse transcriptase (which converts the RNA genome into D …