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Pathology · single question

At the very beginning of HIV infection, which key enzymatic process occurs that is essential to establishing infection?

  1. Reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into DNA
  2. Direct viral protein synthesis without genome replication
  3. Complement activation
  4. Direct cell lysis without genome integration
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Correct answer: A. Reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into DNA

Shortly after viral entry into a host CD4+ T cell, HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme converts the virus's RNA genome into DNA — an essential early step before this DNA can integrate into the host cell's genome (via integrase) and establish ongoing infection.

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