Figure 1.7: Schematic diagram of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a model for virus structure

The viral genetic material is made of RNA and is present at the core of the virus, surrounded by two different types of core protein. This in turn is surrounded by the viral membrane or envelope (which is not composed of protein but of lipids (fats)) in which glycoproteins are embedded. All the viral proteins are coded for by the viral RNA.

Figure 1.7: Schematic diagram of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a model for virus structure

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