AIDS is caused by a virus whose genetic material is

AIDS is caused by a virus whose genetic material is

single stranded circular DNA
double stranded DNA
single stranded RNA
double stranded RNA
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
The correct answer is C) single stranded RNA.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus, and retroviruses are characterized by having their genetic material in the form of RNA, specifically single-stranded RNA. This RNA is then converted into double-stranded DNA inside the host cell using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is unique to retroviruses.
HIV has two copies of its single-stranded RNA genome. These RNA molecules are encapsidated along with enzymes like reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease within the viral particle. This allows the virus to infect human cells and replicate its genetic material by incorporating a DNA copy into the host cell’s genome.
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