HIV is a round virus. It consists of two parts. Nucleic Acids and Capsids.
1. Nucleic Acid: At the center of the virus is a core of nucleic acid. It is called nucleoid. It is made up of RNA. At its core is reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase converts RNA into DNA. It carries the genetic characteristics of the virus and plays a role in the synthesis of new viruses.
2. Capsid: The outer coat of nucleic acid is called capsid. Capsids can be spherical or polygonal. It is made up of numerous protein molecules. Each protein molecule is called a capsomer. Outside the capsid is a 1100 µm thick phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipids consist of two types of glycoproteins. GP-120 and GP-41. GP-120 helps viruses attach to host cells. GP-120 is chemically related to GP-41.