HIV is a virus that contains nucleic acid inside a capsid surrounded by a viral envelope. It is extremely small, unable to move on its own, and relies on infecting cells to reproduce. The viral infection process involves the virus entering a cell, using the cell's machinery to produce new viral components, then releasing new viruses to infect other cells.

1. What is a virus like?
HIV virus
nucleic acid
• Extremely small
• Obligate parasites viral envelope
• Unable to move capsid
(membrane)
• Extensive habitat

2. Viral infection process
virus
2
3
1
1 The virus enters the cell.
Reproduction and assembly
2
of viral components.
cell 3 New viruses leave the cell.