Download Activity: Viruses are Specific

Activity: Viruses are Specific
TEACHER’S GUIDE
Preparation:
1. Copy viruses and cells on different colored cardstock paper. Laminate to make
them more durable.
2. Each set should include 5 viruses and 5 cells.
3. Have students read about viruses.
4. Then have students make predictions about which cells are attacked by the
given viruses.
5. Then have students use the 5 virus cards and 5 cell cards and match the viruses
to the host cells that they attack. Students should match them according to the
virus markers and the cell receptors.
6. When they are done, students should answer the “What Have You Learned
About Viruses?” portion of the activity.
Cell Cards
Virus Cards
Reading: Viruses Infect Living Things
Have you ever had a sore throat or fever? If so, then your body was most likely under
attack by viruses. The name virus comes from the Latin word for “poison.” Viruses are
disease-causing particles made up of nucleic acid, protein, and in some cases, lipids. A
typical virus is composed of a core of DNA or RNA surround by a protein coat, called a
capsid.
All viruses have one thing in common: They enter living cells and, once inside, uses
the machinery of the infected cell to produce more viruses. Viruses can reproduce only by
infecting living cells. The capsid includes proteins that enable a virus to enter a host cell. A
host cell is a virus-infected cell. The capsid proteins of a typical virus are called markers
proteins. They bind to receptor proteins on the surface of a cell and “trick” the cell into
allowing it inside. Once inside, the viral genes are expressed. The cell transcribes and
translates the viral genetic information into viral capsid proteins. Sometimes that genetic
program causes the host cell to make copies of the virus, and in the process the host cell is
destroyed.
Because viruses must bind precisely to proteins on the cell surface and then use a
host’s genetic system, most viruses are highly specific to the cells they infect. Plant viruses
infect plant cells; most animal viruses infect only certain related species of animals; and
bacterial viruses infect only certain types of bacteria. Viruses that infect bacteria are called
bacteriophages.
Prediction (What You May Already Know)
Directions: Match the virus to the type of cell that it infects.
The SARS virus infects ____________________.
Epithelial cells
The HIV virus infects ____________________.
Nerve cells
The hepatitis virus infects ____________________.
Lung cells
The influenza virus infects ____________________.
T-Helper cells
The polio virus infects _______________________.
Liver cells
How many did you get correct?
(Return to this section after the activity. Make corrections if necessary.)
Activity: Viruses Infect Living Things
Materials:
5 Virus cards
5 Cell cards
Procedure:
1. Use your knowledge of biology and your powers of observation to match the viruses to the
host cells they attack.
2. Once you have matched them, write your answers in the space provided below.
3. Before leaving the station, place all the cards back into the baggie for the next group.
What Have You Learned About Viruses?
Directions: After the activity, answer the following questions.
Viruses that attack bacteria are called ____________________________.
The cells that viruses attack are called the ________________ cells.
The SARS virus infects ____________________ cells.
The HIV virus infects ____________________ cells.
The hepatitis virus infects ____________________ cells.
The influenza virus infects ____________________ cells.
The polio virus infects _______________________.cells.
What conclusion can be drawn from this activity about viruses and the host cells they attack?
How does this activity illustrate how viruses are very specific about the host cells they attack?
Should viruses be considered living or non-living? Write a short paragraph defending your
point of view.