HIV is a number of a group of viruses called

Options

A. (a) Bacteriophages
B. (b) Lysogenic viruses
C. (c) Retroviruses
D. (d) Gemini viruses

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Virus**: The question asks for the group of viruses that includes HIV. The full form of HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

2. **Understand the Disease**: HIV is known to cause Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This information helps us understand the significance of the virus.

3. **Mechanism of Action**: HIV affects the immune system by degrading it. It does this by targeting immune cells and compromising their function.

4. **Genetic Material**: HIV contains RNA as its genetic material. This is crucial for understanding its classification.

5. **Reverse Transcriptase**: HIV has an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which allows it to convert its RNA into DNA after infecting a host cell.

6. **Integration into Host DNA**: Once HIV converts its RNA to DNA, it integrates this DNA into the host's genome, allowing it to hijack the host's cellular machinery.

7. **Classification of HIV**: Based on its mechanism of reverse transcription (RNA to DNA), HIV belongs to a specific group of viruses known as retroviruses.

8. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that HIV is part of a group of viruses called retroviruses.

**Final Answer**: HIV is a member of a group of viruses called retroviruses.

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