Which HIV gene encodes the capsid protein p24?

Which HIV gene encodes the capsid protein p24?

• A. Rev
• B. Pol
• C. Env
• D. Gag

Answer: (D)

The capsid protein p24 comes from the Gag gene. In HIV, Gag is translated as a single polyprotein and then cleaved by the viral protease into multiple structural components, including p24 (capsid), p17 (matrix), and p7 (nucleocapsid). The capsid forms the protein shell of the virus core. The other listed genes have different roles: Rev is a regulatory protein that helps export viral RNA from the nucleus; Pol encodes the viral enzymes reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase; Env encodes the envelope proteins gp120 and gp41.

The capsid protein p24 comes from the Gag gene. In HIV, Gag is translated as a single polyprotein and then cleaved by the viral protease into multiple structural components, including p24 (capsid), p17 (matrix), and p7 (nucleocapsid). The capsid forms the protein shell of the virus core. The other listed genes have different roles: Rev is a regulatory protein that helps export viral RNA from the nucleus; Pol encodes the viral enzymes reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase; Env encodes the envelope proteins gp120 and gp41.