1. The concepts covered here can be reviewed in your textbook, pages 390-391 (including Figure 13.19), and your lecture notes.
2. Start by reviewing features of the HIV virion. On a piece of paper draw a diagram of the HIV virion. Label on it distinctive features of the virus, including its genome, its nucleocapsid (and its symmetry), the envelope (or membrane) and all the different proteins found in the virion. Describe the genome of HIV (type and number of molecules). The HIV virion carries its own polymerase. What type of polymerase is it and why does the virus need to bring it into the cell (rather than using the cell's polymerases)? The following are proteins found in the virion. On a piece of paper, copy them, give their full names and describe their function?
- SU
- TM
- MA
- CA
- POL
3. HIV has a relatively complicated replication cycle. Review HIV replication in your notes and list all of the involved steps on a piece of paper. At this point, you can attempt to draw a diagram that illustrates the replication cycle of HIV. Use different colors for RNA and DNA, so you can keep track of the the viral genome and its expression throughout the cycle! You can go to office hours and check your diagram with Dr. Kourtev.
4. HIV undergoes very rapid evolution within each individual host it infects. Review info about HIV's evolution in your notes and answer the following questions:
- What is the reproductive output of HIV in a single human host?
- What is the mutation rate of HIV's polymerase?
- What is the combined effect of the two bullets above?
5. One of the first drugs developed agains HIV was AZT. Answer the following questions about AZT:
- What type of drug is AZT?
- Draw a diagram of AZT's structure.
- How does AZT prevent HIV replication?
- What happens over the course of a few years if an HIV patient is treated with AZT (and no other drugs)?
- How does HIV develop resistance to AZT?
6. This concludes the portion of the study guide that covers UNIT 3 of BIO 208. You can move to another unit, or perfect your knowledge in some of the other topics of this UNIT.