What is the composition of the AIDS virus?

The correct answer is Option (1) → RNA with protein

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus: its genetic material is RNA, and an envelope encloses this RNA genome. Like other viruses, it has protein around its nucleic acid. Inside a host cell, the enzyme reverse transcriptase copies the viral RNA into DNA.

Option (1) RNA with protein — Correct. The genome of HIV is RNA, and it is covered by an envelope with proteins. So the virus is RNA with protein.

Option (2) DNA with protein — Incorrect. HIV does not carry DNA as its genome. Viral DNA is formed only inside the host cell, when reverse transcriptase copies the RNA genome.

Option (3) RNA without protein — Incorrect. The RNA genome of HIV is not naked. It is enclosed in an envelope, and a virus always has protein around its nucleic acid.

Option (4) Only DNA — Incorrect. HIV has no DNA of its own and it does have protein. Its genetic material is RNA.

NCERT Extract:
AIDS – “… AIDS is caused by the Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV), a member of a group of viruses called retrovirus, which have an envelope enclosing the RNA genome (Figure 7.6). … After getting into the body of the person, the virus enters into macrophages where RNA genome of the virus replicates to form viral DNA with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase.”