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Virus Replication Lab
Background info:
Viruses are very successful at invading the cells of other organisms. After a virus
attaches itself to the outside of a host cell, a viral enzyme damages the cell
membrane and allows the virus to enter the host cell. Some viruses inject their
DNA into the host cell & leave their protein coat outside the cell; other viruses still
have their coats on when they enter the host cell. Once the virus is inside the
host cell, the viral DNA takes over the host cell’s genetic machinery causing the
host cell to make copies of new viral DNA and protein coats. The virus parts are
then assembled, and the new viruses escape from the host cell either by
exocytosis or bursting out of the host cell.
Objective:
 Trace the steps of viral replication in cells
 Describe each step of viral replication
 Construct an analogy for viral replication in cells
Material:
Scissors & Glue
Procedure:
1. Cut out each of the 10 cartoon figure drawings on the sheet provided.
2. Each of the cartoon drawings represents one of the stages of virus
replication listed below. Identify the drawings that represent each stage of
virus replication and line them up in order on your desk.
Stages of Virus Replication
1. The virus attaches itself to the cell membrane of a host cell.
2. A viral enzyme damages the host cell membrane; the virus invades
the cell.
3. The protein coat of the virus is removed.
4. Viral genes (DNA) are activated as they become part of the cell’s
machinery
5. The activated virus directs replication, the making of more viral
genes (DNA.)
6. The activated virus directs translation, the making of more viral
protein coats.
7. New genes (DNA) are completed.
8. New protein coats are completed.
9. The new viruses are assembled. DNA is inserted into the protein
coats.
10. The new viruses escape from the cell.
3. Label the small tab on each picture with the number of the stage of
replication it represents using the numbers in the “Stages of Virus
Replication” list, 1-10.
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4. Figure 4 in Data and Observations is a diagram representing the 10
stages of virus replication within a cell. Copy your numbers from the
drawings onto this diagram in the spaces provided. (Refer to the list of the
10 stages).
5. Place the drawings, each representing a stage of replication, under its
proper label on the diagram in Figure 4 and glue them in place.
6. Complete analysis questions below.
Analysis:
1. In what ways is viral replication different from normal cell reproduction?
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2. Examine your completed diagram of virus replication. What happens in the
steps called replication & translation? ___________________________
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3. Describe the last stage before the new viruses escape.
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4. What do you think might happen to the cell after the viruses escape?
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5. If you were a scientist developing a new drug that would block viral
replication, which steps would you choose to block? ________________
Explain your choice. __________________________________________
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6. This lab compares viral replication (the lytic cycle) to the making of a
product in a factory. How is the lytic cycle different than a factory making
a product?
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