Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Biology
8 Dec 2025
451
1 page
lots ๐ @northernattitude
Understanding how HIV replicates and how our immune system fights infections is crucial for grasping modern medicine and... Show more
Ever wondered how viruses like HIV manage to hijack your cells? HIV replication is a sneaky process that turns your own cells into virus factories. The virus enters cells using specific receptors, then uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA.
This viral DNA gets inserted straight into your host cell's genome - basically becoming part of your cell's instruction manual. Once integrated, your cell starts producing HIV proteins and assembling new virus particles, which then get released to infect more cells.
Your immune system fights back through several mechanisms. B cells can differentiate into memory cells or plasma cells that produce monoclonal antibodies. Meanwhile, phagocytosis allows immune cells to engulf and destroy pathogens using hydrolytic enzymes.
T helper cells coordinate the immune response by stimulating B cells, enhancing phagocytosis, and activating cytotoxic T cells. These killer cells release perforin to punch holes in infected or cancerous cells, causing them to die through apoptosis.
Quick Test Tip Remember that HIV's reverse transcriptase is unique because it goes RNA โ DNA, which is backwards from normal cellular processes!
The ELISA test detects antigens using a clever sandwich technique with monoclonal antibodies and enzymes. Add the sample, wash away unbound material, add enzyme-linked antibodies, then add substrate - a colour change confirms the antigen's presence.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Explore the structure, replication process, and immunological impact of HIV in this detailed summary. Understand how HIV affects the immune system, the role of T-cells, and why traditional antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Ideal for AQA A-level Biology students focusing on viral infections and immunology.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of HIV, including its transmission methods, structure, and replication process. This summary covers the lifecycle of the HIV virus, its impact on helper T cells, and the progression to AIDS. Ideal for AQA A-Level Biology students focusing on pathogens and viral infections.
BiologyExplore the structure and function of antibodies in the immune system, including their role in agglutination, memory cells, and monoclonal antibodies. This summary covers key concepts such as the enzyme-substrate complex and the ELISA test, making it essential for AQA A-level Biology students.
BiologyExplore the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing method, focusing on its application in detecting prostate cancer and HIV antibodies. This summary covers the principles of direct and indirect testing, the role of antibodies, and the significance of color change in results. Ideal for AQA A-Level Biology students studying immunology and biological defenses.
BiologyExplore the intricacies of the specific immune system, covering key concepts such as phagocytes, antibodies, lymphocytes, humoral immunity, and the primary and secondary immune responses. This comprehensive summary is essential for mastering OCR A A-level Biology and understanding autoimmune diseases.
BiologyExplore the essential concepts of vaccination, including types of immunity (active, passive, natural, artificial), how vaccines stimulate immune responses, and the importance of herd immunity. This summary provides insights into the ethical considerations surrounding vaccines and their effectiveness against antigenic variability. Ideal for AQA A-level Biology students.
BiologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
lots ๐
@northernattitude
Understanding how HIV replicates and how our immune system fights infections is crucial for grasping modern medicine and public health. These processes show the incredible complexity of viral infections and the sophisticated ways our bodies defend against threats.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wondered how viruses like HIV manage to hijack your cells? HIV replication is a sneaky process that turns your own cells into virus factories. The virus enters cells using specific receptors, then uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA.
This viral DNA gets inserted straight into your host cell's genome - basically becoming part of your cell's instruction manual. Once integrated, your cell starts producing HIV proteins and assembling new virus particles, which then get released to infect more cells.
Your immune system fights back through several mechanisms. B cells can differentiate into memory cells or plasma cells that produce monoclonal antibodies. Meanwhile, phagocytosis allows immune cells to engulf and destroy pathogens using hydrolytic enzymes.
T helper cells coordinate the immune response by stimulating B cells, enhancing phagocytosis, and activating cytotoxic T cells. These killer cells release perforin to punch holes in infected or cancerous cells, causing them to die through apoptosis.
Quick Test Tip: Remember that HIV's reverse transcriptase is unique because it goes RNA โ DNA, which is backwards from normal cellular processes!
The ELISA test detects antigens using a clever sandwich technique with monoclonal antibodies and enzymes. Add the sample, wash away unbound material, add enzyme-linked antibodies, then add substrate - a colour change confirms the antigen's presence.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Explore the structure, replication process, and immunological impact of HIV in this detailed summary. Understand how HIV affects the immune system, the role of T-cells, and why traditional antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Ideal for AQA A-level Biology students focusing on viral infections and immunology.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of HIV, including its transmission methods, structure, and replication process. This summary covers the lifecycle of the HIV virus, its impact on helper T cells, and the progression to AIDS. Ideal for AQA A-Level Biology students focusing on pathogens and viral infections.
BiologyExplore the structure and function of antibodies in the immune system, including their role in agglutination, memory cells, and monoclonal antibodies. This summary covers key concepts such as the enzyme-substrate complex and the ELISA test, making it essential for AQA A-level Biology students.
BiologyExplore the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing method, focusing on its application in detecting prostate cancer and HIV antibodies. This summary covers the principles of direct and indirect testing, the role of antibodies, and the significance of color change in results. Ideal for AQA A-Level Biology students studying immunology and biological defenses.
BiologyExplore the intricacies of the specific immune system, covering key concepts such as phagocytes, antibodies, lymphocytes, humoral immunity, and the primary and secondary immune responses. This comprehensive summary is essential for mastering OCR A A-level Biology and understanding autoimmune diseases.
BiologyExplore the essential concepts of vaccination, including types of immunity (active, passive, natural, artificial), how vaccines stimulate immune responses, and the importance of herd immunity. This summary provides insights into the ethical considerations surrounding vaccines and their effectiveness against antigenic variability. Ideal for AQA A-level Biology students.
BiologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology