Viruses

Lesson Plan
Part I (90 minutes)
Introduction and prior knowledge
• Whole class instruction
Background information
• Lecture, discussion, class notes
Virus Search
• Independent study

Part II (45 minutes)

Disease Transmission Simulation
• Whole class activity
 California Content
Standards
• 10. Organisms have a variety of mechanisms to combat
disease. As a basis for understanding the human immune
response:
•
c. Students know how vaccination protects an individual
from infectious diseases.
d. Students know there are important differences between
bacteria and viruses with respect to their requirements for
growth and replication, the body's primary defenses against
bacterial and viral infections, and effective treatments of
these infections.
 Introduction
• Imagine something that does not
grow, respond, or eat.
• This is something that is neither
living or non-living.
• Viruses are not in a kingdom.
• Viruses are not made up of cells.
What are some examples
of viruses?
• Class list
How are viruses classified?

They are classified by:

1. Shape

2. Nucleic acid they contain (DNA or

RNA)

3. The kind of organism they infect

 What do viruses need?

• A virus is a type of parasite—it

depends on a host organism for
survival and reproduction
 How do viruses behave?

1. A virus may be active

2. A virus can be dormant or latent

 Active Virus
1. ATTACHMENT: A specific virus attaches to the
surface of a specific cell

2. INVADE: The nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) of the

virus is injected into the cell.

3. COPY: The viral nucleic acid takes control of the

cell an begins to make new virus particles.

4. RELEASE: The cell bursts open, hundreds of new

virus particles are released from the cell. These
virus particles go on to infect other cells.
How does our body
respond to viruses?

Immunobiology, 5th ed. Janeway

 How do scientists study
viruses?
Animal Models: General Method

A “challenge” is given: a A blood test reveals the

highly virulent strain of levels of viruses, T-cells
the virus is injected. and antibodies.

If the reason for vaccine

failure is discovered, a new
round of design is initiated OR Genetic and biochemical
the project ends. analysis can reveal why
vaccine failed.

If the animal becomes

sick or dies, more blood If the animal is healthy
tests are taken. for a “long time,” then
human trials can begin.

From Gakhal, Gan & Oswald, TSRI

 What are vaccines?
• A vaccine is a substance that
stimulates the body’s immune
response.
• The goal of vaccination is to prevent
or control an infection.
 Virus Search

Websearch:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/disinfo.htm

1. Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) web address

above and choose a virus.

2. Read about the virus you have chosen.

3. Write a summary of the virus.

4. If you like you may search other websites about the virus
you have chosen.
 Virus Search

5. Your 1-page (typed) summary must include:

a) The name of your virus

b) Characteristics of the virus
c) Signs and symptoms
d) Carrier(s)
e) Transmission
f) Treatment
g) Occurrence or outbreak
information
h) Finally, try to find a picture of
your virus and include it with your
summary
 Follow-Up Lessons
What are our defenses against
infections?
• Students know the role of the skin in providing nonspecific
defenses against infection.

• Students know the role of antibodies in the body's response

to infection.

• Students know the roles of phagocytes, B-lymphocytes, and

T-lymphocytes in the immune system.

• Students know why an individual with a compromised immune

system (for example, a person with AIDS) may be unable to
fight off and survive infections by microorganisms that are
usually benign