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Inhibitor AZT 3-TC
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AZT
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Viral RNA (yellow) |
Treatment of the disease initially
made use of an anti-viral
drug, AZT. Azidothymidine
(AZT) is an
anti-aids drug that imitates a natural nucleoside, deoxythymidine, and inhibits the
virus copying its RNA into DNA in human cells, by inhibiting the enzyme responsible.
Figure one (above) shows the reproduction of the RNA sequence to DNA, which is
enzyme catalyzed, and will allow the viral DNA to become incorporated into the
cell's DNA, further allowing reproduction of the virus. Figure two (right) shows
how the anti-viral drug (shown as a red ball) prevents the copying sequence, and
hence could prevent the spread of the virus.
AZT molecule
DEOXYTHYMIDINE molecule
However, AZT can also inhibit our own enzymes, and is toxic, causing painful side-effects.
For further, specific information about AZT, visit this site : www.aidsinfonyc.org/network/simple/zido.html
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