Q. 17.81 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

How do nucleoside analogs disrupt the live cycle of the HIV virus?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Nucleoside analogs disrupt the live cycle of the HIV virus by stopping the replication of the virus.

Step 1: Given Information

We have to find out the way nucleoside analogs disrupt the life cycle of the HIV virus.

Step 2: Explanation

The nucleoside analogs mimic the structure of the nucleosides used for DNA synthesis and are able to reverse transcriptase enzyme, When it is disrupted, the lack of hydroxyl groups in the sugar prevents the formation of the sugar-phosphate bonds and stops the replication of the virus.