The 5′ LTR region codes for the promotor for transcription of the viral genes. The DNA genome is flanked at both ends by LTR (long terminal repeat) sequences (fig. The genome of the HIV provirus (see 1.1.3), also known as proviral DNA, is generated by the reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into DNA, degradation of the RNA and integration of the double-stranded HIV DNA into the human genome. The HIV genome consists of two identical single-stranded RNA molecules that are enclosed within the core of the virus particle.
