(a) Estimate the total mass of an HIV virion by comparing its volume with that of an $E$, coli cell and assuming they have the same density. (b) The HIV maturation process involves proteolytic clipping of the Gag polyprotein so that the capsid protein CA can form the shell surrounding the RNA genome and nucleocapsid $\mathrm{NC}$ can complex with the RNA itself. Using Figures 2.30 and 2.31 to obtain the capsid dimensions. estimate the number of CA proteins that are used to make the capsid and compare your result with the total number of Gag proteins.
Added by Lisa C.
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The diameter of an HIV virion is approximately 120 nm. The volume \( V \) of a sphere is given by the formula: \[ V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3 \] where \( r \) is the radius. For an HIV virion: \[ r = \frac{120 \, \text{nm}}{2} = 60 \, \text{nm} \] \[ V_{\text{HIV}} = Show more…
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