False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of AIDS virus (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome),emerging from a stricken T4 lymphocyte (white blood cell of immune system,which AIDS destroys,rendering victim liable to several fatal secondary infections). The virus (designated HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus,ie its genetic program is held in RNA (red central cores of spheres),translated into DNA inside the T4 cell & infiltrates the cell's own DNA; once activated the viral DNA replicates & progeny bud from the cell wall,killing the host cell. Magnification: x30,000 at 35mm,x60,000 at 6x7cm |