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AIDS/HIV
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Definitions F through H

Functional antibody: An antibody that binds to an antigen and has an effect. For example, neutralizing antibodies inactivate HIV or prevent it from infecting other cells.

Genome: The full set of genes present in a cell or virus.

gp41: Glycoprotein 41, a protein imbedded in the outer envelope of HIV. Plays a key role in HIV's infection of CD4+ T cells by facilitating the fusion of the viral and cell membranes.

gp120: Glycoprotein 120, a protein that protrudes from the surface of HIV and binds to CD4+ T cells.

gp160: Glycoprotein 160, a precursor of HIV envelope proteins gp41 and gp 120.

Half-life: The time required for half the amount of a substance to be eliminated from the body.

Homologous: Similar in appearance, structure or function.

Host: A plant or animal harboring another organism.

Humoral immunity: Immunity that results from the activity of antibodies in blood and lymph tissue.

Hypothesis: A tentative statement or supposition, which may then be tested through research.

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