Unveiling Viruses: Structure, Replication, and Impact

Biology Grades High School 4:50 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of viruses, from their unique structure and replication mechanisms to their impact on living organisms. Understand the key differences between viruses and bacteria and the stages of viral infection.

Video Resource

Virus structure and replication | Viruses | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:50
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Key Concepts

  • Virus structure (capsid, genetic material, envelope)
  • Viral replication cycle (attachment, entry, replication, assembly, release)
  • Distinction between viruses and bacteria

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the basic structure of a virus, including the capsid, genetic material (DNA or RNA), and envelope (if present).
  • Explain the steps involved in the viral replication cycle.
  • Distinguish between viruses and bacteria based on their characteristics and life processes.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with the image of HIV emerging from a host cell, as shown in the video. Briefly discuss the question of whether viruses are living or non-living and explain that this lesson will explore the structure and replication of viruses, as well as the differences between viruses and bacteria. Show the video: Virus structure and replication | Viruses | High school biology | Khan Academy
  • Virus Structure (10 mins)
    Discuss the structure of a virus using diagrams and models. Emphasize the roles of the capsid (protein coat), genetic material (DNA or RNA), and envelope (in some viruses). Explain how the envelope aids in attachment to host cells.
  • Viral Replication Cycle (15 mins)
    Walk through the viral replication cycle step-by-step: attachment, entry, replication (hijacking the host cell's machinery), assembly, and release. Explain how viruses use host cells to replicate their genetic material and produce viral proteins.
  • Viruses vs. Bacteria (5 mins)
    Clearly differentiate between viruses and bacteria. Emphasize that viruses are non-living infectious particles, while bacteria are living, unicellular organisms.
  • Conclusion and Review (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts covered in the lesson. Review the structure of a virus, the stages of the viral replication cycle, and the differences between viruses and bacteria. Answer any remaining student questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Virus Model Building
    Students work in groups to build a model of a virus using provided materials (e.g., styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners, clay). Each group presents their model and explains the function of each component.
  • Viral Replication Cycle Diagram
    Students individually create a diagram illustrating the steps of the viral replication cycle, labeling each stage and providing a brief description.

Discussion Questions

  • Why are viruses considered non-living?
  • How does the structure of a virus facilitate its replication?
  • What are the potential consequences of viral infections on host cells and organisms?

Skills Developed

  • Model building
  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Communication

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is a component of all viruses?

Correct Answer: Capsid

Question 2:

The protein coat surrounding the genetic material of a virus is called the:

Correct Answer: Capsid

Question 3:

During viral replication, the virus utilizes which of the following from the host cell?

Correct Answer: Replication machinery

Question 4:

Which of the following best describes a virus?

Correct Answer: Non-living, infectious particle

Question 5:

The stage of viral replication where the virus's genetic material enters the host cell is called:

Correct Answer: Entry

Question 6:

What is the main difference between viruses and bacteria?

Correct Answer: Bacteria are living, viruses are not.

Question 7:

Some viruses have an outer membrane similar to a cellular membrane called a(n):

Correct Answer: Envelope

Question 8:

In the replication stage, what happens?

Correct Answer: The virus genetic material is replicated.

Question 9:

The release stage is when:

Correct Answer: the virus emerges from the cell

Question 10:

The protein coat of a virus comes together with the genetic material during:

Correct Answer: assembly

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The protein coat surrounding the genetic material in a virus is called the ________.

Correct Answer: capsid

Question 2:

Viruses can have either ______ or _______ as their genetic material.

Correct Answer: DNA/RNA

Question 3:

Viruses are considered to be _________, while bacteria are living organisms.

Correct Answer: non-living

Question 4:

The process by which a virus uses a host cell to create more viruses is called __________.

Correct Answer: replication

Question 5:

The outermost layer found in some viruses, derived from the host cell membrane, is known as the _________.

Correct Answer: envelope

Question 6:

The initial stage of viral infection, when the virus makes contact with the host cell, is called _________.

Correct Answer: attachment

Question 7:

After entry, the host cell replicates the viral genetic material, called ________.

Correct Answer: replication

Question 8:

Once the genetic material is replicated, the virus protein and genetic material are put together. This is called __________.

Correct Answer: assembly

Question 9:

During the final stage, the new viruses leave the cell, and this is called _________.

Correct Answer: release

Question 10:

In the final stage of viral replication, an outer membrane is formed. This is called _________.

Correct Answer: envelope

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.2:[Standard] Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS4.5:[Standard] Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Teaching Materials

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