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Question #45230
The Question
During the transmission of HIV, the virus utilizes its outermost layer to fuse with the host's macrophage membrane. If a chemical surfactant that specifically disrupts amphipathic interactions is applied to free HIV particles, which of the following represents the most direct and immediate cause of viral neutralization?
Options
- A.
Denaturation of the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme, halting the synthesis of viral cDNA.
- B.
Disruption of the viral protein capsid, leading to the premature release of the two single-stranded RNA molecules.
- C.
Solubilization of the viral lipid envelope, resulting in the loss of anchored glycoproteins required for CD4 receptor binding.
- D.
Alteration of the host cell membrane's selective permeability, preventing the receptor-mediated endocytosis of the virus.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Lipid Amphipathic Nature|HIV Replication Cycle|Glycoproteins
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the viral protein capsid and the viral lipid envelope.
Students often focus heavily on HIV's RNA and reverse transcriptase (NCERT Class 12, Chapter 8) but overlook that the outermost envelope is a host-derived lipid bilayer.
The trap in Option D tests reading comprehension ('applied to free HIV particles'), while Options A and B test the spatial arrangement of viral components.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biomolecules - Class 11 |
| Concept | Lipid Amphipathic Nature |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |