The HIV life cycle is a complex process that involves seven stages or steps. The first stage is binding, where the virus attaches itself to the host cell. The second stage is fusion, where the virus fuses with the host cell membrane. The third stage is reverse transcription, where the virus converts its RNA into DNA. The fourth stage is integration, where the viral DNA is integrated into the host cell's DNA. The fifth stage is replication, where the virus replicates its DNA and produces new viral proteins. The sixth stage is assembly, where new viral particles are assembled. The final stage is budding, where new viral particles are released from the host cell.
