The diagram indicates a viral cell and a host cell. The viral cell is indicated as a circular body with a spiral viral RNA and spiral reverse transcriptase inside an oval structure within the cell. Tiny molecules on the exterior surface of the viral cell help in attaching the cells to the host cells. The host cell is indicated as a big circular cell with a nucleus in the center and the cytoplasm is indicated. The nucleus contains a double stranded spiral DNA. Tiny molecules are indicated on the surface of the host cell to which the virus cell attaches itself.

1. The virus cell attaches to the host cell by recognizing the specific molecules. The text in the text box reads ‘Virus attaches to host cell membrane by recognizing specific molecules on the cell surface.’
2. The cell membrane of the virus fuses with that of the host cell and the viral RNA moves inside the host cell. The text in the text box reads ‘Viral coat fuses with cell membrane and viral RNA enters the cell.’
3. Viral DNA is produced. It is indicated as double stranded blue helical structure inside the host cell’s nucleus. The text in the text box reads ‘Reverse transcriptase uses viral RNA as a template to make viral DNA.’
4. The viral DNA attaches to the host DNA and begins synthesizing viral RNA and mRNA. They are indicated as spiral structures inside the host nucleus. The text in the text box reads ‘Viral DNA enters nucleus and inserts itself into host DNA. There it may begin directing the synthesis of viral RNA and mRNA.’
5. The viral mRNA moves into the cytoplasm of the host cell and directs the host cell to assemble viral proteins. The text in the text box reads ‘Viral mRNA directs the host cell to assemble viral proteins.’
6. New viruses are produced by the host cell and released into the blood stream. The text in the text box reads ‘The new viruses bud off from the host cell membrane.’