1. what are the differences between white blood cells and antibodies?
2.why is HIV not detected immediately as foreign material once it enters our blood stream or white blood cells?
3.what is the enzyme used by HIV to convert RNA to DNA?
1. The differences between white blood cells and antibodies are:
- White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are cells of the immune system that defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign substances. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
- Antibodies, also called immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by white blood cells called B cells. They are a vital part of the immune response and help detect and neutralize foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
While both white blood cells and antibodies play important roles in the immune system, there are key differences in their functions and structures. White blood cells have various types, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specific functions in defending the body. Antibodies, on the other hand, specifically recognize and bind to foreign substances, marking them for destruction by other immune cells.
2. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is not detected immediately as foreign material once it enters our bloodstream or white blood cells due to several reasons:
- The outer envelope of HIV is derived from the host cell's membrane, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize it as foreign. This helps the virus avoid detection.
- HIV primarily attacks a specific type of white blood cell called CD4 T cells, which are crucial for coordinating the immune response. These cells also help activate other immune cells, including B cells that produce antibodies. By targeting these cells, HIV directly weakens the immune system's ability to respond effectively.
- HIV has a high mutation rate, and it constantly changes its surface proteins. This genetic variability enables the virus to evade recognition by the immune system. As a result, the immune response mounted against HIV may be delayed or insufficient to eliminate the virus completely.
- HIV is capable of replicating and spreading rapidly within the body, leading to widespread infection before the immune system can mount an effective response.
3. The enzyme used by HIV to convert RNA to DNA is called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is an essential enzyme for retroviruses like HIV, as it allows the conversion of viral RNA into DNA. This process is known as reverse transcription.
Reverse transcriptase synthesizes a complementary strand of DNA (cDNA) using the viral RNA as a template. This newly formed DNA molecule is then integrated into the DNA of the host cell. Once integrated, it becomes a permanent part of the infected cell's genetic material and can be transcribed and translated to produce new viral particles.
By using reverse transcriptase, HIV is able to bypass the typical pathway of information flow from DNA to RNA during gene expression. This unique feature is a key factor in the replication and survival of HIV within the human body.