Nucleic acid in HIV.

Options

A. ss RNA
B. ds RNA
C. ss DNA
D. ds DNA

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Virus**: The question asks about the nucleic acid in HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is essential to recognize that HIV is a virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

2. **Understand Nucleic Acids**: Nucleic acids are molecules that carry genetic information. They can be classified into two main types: RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).

3. **Determine the Type of Nucleic Acid in HIV**: The specific nucleic acid present in HIV is single-stranded RNA. This means that the genetic material of HIV consists of a single strand of RNA.

4. **Explain the Structure of RNA and DNA**:
- DNA is typically double-stranded, meaning it consists of two strands that are bonded together, making it a more stable structure.
- RNA, on the other hand, is usually single-stranded, which makes it less stable compared to DNA.

5. **Process of Infection**: Once HIV enters a host cell, it uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA. This process is crucial for the virus to replicate and infect the host cell.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the nucleic acid in HIV is single-stranded RNA.

**Final Answer**: The nucleic acid in HIV is single-stranded RNA.

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