HIV's Genome of RNA Includes the Code for Reverse Transcriptase

question 39

Multiple Choice

HIV's genome of RNA includes the code for reverse transcriptase (RT) , an enzyme that acts early in infection to synthesise a DNA genome off of an RNA template. The HIV genome also codes for protease (PR) , an enzyme that acts later in infection by cutting long viral polyproteins into smaller, functional proteins. Both RT and PR represent potential targets for antiretroviral drugs. Drugs called nucleoside analogues (NA) act against RT, whereas drugs called protease inhibitors (PI) act against PR.
Which of the following treatment options would most likely avoid the evolution of drug-resistant HIV (assuming no drug interactions or side effects) ?

• A) Use a series of NAs, one at a time, and change about once a week.
• B) Use a single PI, but slowly increase the dosage over the course of a week.
• C) Use high doses of NA and a PI at the same time for a period not to exceed one day.
• D) Use moderate doses of NA and two different PIs at the same time for several months.

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Definitions:

Trade-Offs

Situations where having more of one thing necessarily means having less of another because of limited resources.

Allocate

The process of distributing resources or goods among various uses or individuals based on specific criteria, such as need or merit.

Marginal Change

A small incremental adjustment to a plan of action.

Incremental Adjustment

Small, gradual changes or modifications made in response to changing conditions or to improve a process or system.