Asked by Toniesha Jones on Jul 15, 2024

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How can comparative genomics assist in the treatment of HIV?

A) The genome of HIV can now be compared to the human genome to find similarities between the two.
B) Knowing the genome of HIV allows for the manufacture of designer drugs to treat specific strains.
C) Understanding the genetic code of HIV allows scientists to replicate it in the laboratory.
D) Understanding the evolution of HIV in an individual will help scientists understand how the virus responds to different drug regimes and will lead to better treatments.
E) Knowing the proteins produced by HIV will allow the development of drugs to mimic those proteins.

Comparative Genomics

Study of genomes through the direct comparison of the genes and DNA sequences from multiple species.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if not treated.

Designer Drugs

Synthetic compounds created to mimic the effects of illegal drugs, often with slight molecular modifications to evade legal restrictions.

  • Interpret the role of comparative genomics in understanding and treating diseases, including HIV.
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RH
Rachel HagerJul 18, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Comparative genomics can assist in the treatment of HIV by helping scientists understand the evolution of the virus in an individual. By comparing the genetic code of the virus over time, scientists can gain insight into how it responds to different drug regimes and develop more effective treatments. This approach has already led to the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which uses multiple drugs to target different stages of the virus's replication cycle.