What Steps Are Involved in Producing the HIV GP120 Protein

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The Answer is The production of the HIV GP120 protein involves several steps and host cellular structures from the point of initial infection with viral RNA to the production of the mature virion outside of the host cell.

1. Attachment and entry: The HIV virus attaches to the host cell membrane and fuses with it, releasing its viral RNA into the host cell.

2. Reverse transcription: The viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase.

3. Integration: The viral DNA is integrated into the host cell's genome with the help of the viral enzyme integrase.

4. Transcription and translation: The integrated viral DNA is transcribed into viral RNA, which is then translated by the host cell's ribosomes into viral proteins, including the GP120 protein.

5. Post-translational modification: The newly synthesized GP120 protein undergoes post-translational modifications in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus of the host cell, including glycosylation and cleavage.

6. Assembly and budding: The mature GP120 protein is assembled with other viral proteins to form new viral particles, which then bud off from the host cell membrane, acquiring an envelope containing GP120.

7. Maturation: The newly formed viral particles undergo maturation as they leave the host cell, becoming fully infectious and capable of infecting other host cells.

Throughout this process, various host cellular structures are involved, including the cell membrane for attachment and entry, the nucleus for integration, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus for post-translational modification, and the cell membrane for assembly and budding of new viral particles.

In summary, the production of the HIV GP120 protein involves a complex series of steps and interactions between the viral and host cellular structures, ultimately leading to the production of mature virions outside of the host cell.

What Steps Are Involved in Producing the HIV GP120 Protein

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