HIV Genes

Function of HIV Genes

  • HIV consists of nine genes.
  • Three of the genes provide genetic information for the capsid proteins, envelope proteins, and viral enzymes.
  • The other six genes are regulatory genes, controlling functions such as uncoating of the HIV genome and the penetration of host cells.

Gene Number
Abbreviation
Gene Function
1
gag
capsid proteins
2
pol
viral enzymes
3
env
envelope proteins
4
vif
regulatory gene
5
tat
regulatory gene
6
vpu
regulatory gene
7
nef
regulatory gene
8
vpr
regulatory gene
9
rev
regulatory gene

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