VIRION.NET
HIV VIRUS GRAPHICS

HIV or AIDS virus. Translucent virions showing internal structure. Outside, is the envelope (plasma membrane) derived from the host cell during budding. The virion is decorated with triple-protein (trimer) spikes (gp120 for the outer knob and gp41 for the stalk, trans-membrane section, and cytoplasmic tail). Beneath the envelope is an open-work protein cage called the matrix. The dark, bullet-shaped core holds the viral RNA and the enzyme reverse transcriptase. HIV is a retrovirus, because it reverse transcribes its RNA into DNA. This viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell DNA. This makes it very hard to eradicate. Up to 20% of the human genome may derive from ancient viral integrations (we're 20% virus!).

Rotating virion showing internal structure. Envelope (greenish, translucent outer layer) and part of matrix shell (blue cage) disappear to reveal the contained core (bright purple, bullet-shaped central feature). The golden spikes that radiate out are proteins that help the virus to attach to cells. The viral envelope comes from the host cell during budding. Seething red background suggests blood (HIV is a blood-borne virus) and the heaving surface of a virus-infected cell.

Classic HIV. An early painting of the HIV virion. This was, at one time, the top ranking image on Google image search for the word VIRUS.