The graph above shows the HIV RNA count in the blood and the effect of the virus on the number of specific immune cells in an untreated patient - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 23
The graph above shows the HIV RNA count in the blood and the effect of the virus on the number of specific immune cells in an untreated patient.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:The graph above shows the HIV RNA count in the blood and the effect of the virus on the number of specific immune cells in an untreated patient - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. a decrease in the viral RNA count during the AIDS phase
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Answer
This statement is inaccurate. In fact, during the AIDS phase, the HIV RNA count tends to increase, indicating that the viral load in the bloodstream is high, which corresponds with a decline in T cell count.
Step 2
b. loss of effective function of the adaptive immune system
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Answer
This is the correct answer. As the number of T cells decreases, the body’s adaptive immune response weakens. Without sufficient T cells, the immune system has reduced capacity to fight infections, contributing to the progression of AIDS.
Step 3
c. failure of macrophages to engulf HIV
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Answer
While macrophage function can be impaired, the primary issue reflected in the graph relates more directly to T cell depletion than to macrophage activity specifically.
Step 4
d. failure of complement proteins
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Answer
This assertion is somewhat valid as complement proteins contribute to immune responses; however, the primary focus in the context of HIV and the given graph highlights T cell depletion as the critical factor.
