Question

(a) Define the term "deep sequencing".

(b) What feature of the HIV retrovirus lifecycle allows the infectious virus to remain dormant in human cells for long periods?

(c) Why might deep sequencing be particularly useful in ribosome profiling experiments that use cell extracts from human carriers of the HIV-1 retrovirus?

Answer 1

a. Deep sequencing involves the sequencing of genomic region for hundred, thousands and multiple times. It is the basis of next generation sequencing (NGS).

b. HIV genetic material integrated into the host cell genetic material and remain dormant for longer period may be 15 to 20 years without showing any symptoms. This stage is called as latency and infected cell is described as latently infected.

c. Sequencing of the genome for multiple times will allows the detection of HIV present in very less concentration. This is most useful in the latency period, as number of HIV will be less in this period which may helps in the identification of HIV infections and to start the treatment.