Question

Which of the following best describes HIV as a causal organism?

Options

• A retrovirus with single-stranded RNA and the enzyme reverse transcriptase

• A double-stranded DNA virus with protease enzymes

• A non-enveloped virus containing only RNA genome

• A spherical bacterium measuring 10-20 nm in diameter

Answer 1

HIV is a retrovirus characterized by having single-stranded RNA, the enzyme reverse transcriptase, and an outer lipid envelope. It is spherical and measures about 100 to 140 nm in diameter, containing two centrally located ssRNA molecules along with reverse transcriptase enzymes.