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Question #46737
The Question
In the pathogenesis of HIV, infected macrophages survive and act as an 'HIV factory' by continuously producing viral progeny. A researcher develops a novel drug that specifically inhibits the host cell's membrane-scission machinery (the ESCRT pathway), which is normally responsible for forming multivesicular bodies in the endomembrane system. Which of the following events in the HIV life cycle will be directly halted by this drug?
Options
- A.
Reverse transcription of viral RNA into double-stranded cDNA in the host cytoplasm.
- B.
Integration of the viral genome into the host macrophage DNA to form a provirus.
- C.
Synthesis of viral RNA and polyproteins by the host's transcriptional and translational machinery.
- D.
Acquisition of the viral lipid envelope and the release of mature progeny virions.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
HIV_Replication|Plasma_Membrane|Endomembrane_System
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the roles of specific viral enzymes (Reverse Transcriptase, Integrase, Protease) but overlook the mechanical cell biology behind how the virus physically exits the cell.
The trap relies on the misconception that viral budding is a passive or purely viral-driven event, rather than an active hijacking of the host's own endomembrane/vesicular trafficking system.
By linking Class 12 'Human Health and Disease' (HIV factory) with Class 11 'Cell Biology' (Endomembrane system), it tests true NCERT-Plus synthesis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell – The Unit of Life - Class 11 |
| Concept | Endomembrane System Connectivity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |