Unit 1

Virus structure and function in the context of SARS-CoV-2

This is a new curriculum. We are refining the materials and teaching support according to teacher feedback. If you have any questions or comments, please use the contact form on the Get Help page and we will respond promptly. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Lesson 1.1

An introduction to viruses

This lesson introduces the basic characteristics of viruses and the features of SARS-CoV-2 that are important for how it causes disease.


Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to…

  • Explain both sides of the debate about whether viruses are alive
  • Describe the different characteristics of non-enveloped and enveloped viruses.
  • Explain how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells using the specific structural features of the virus.

1.11 What is a Pathogen? (13 slides)

Pandemics, such as the current one causing COVID-19 (Coronavirus Infectious Disease- 2019), are caused by pathogens. You’ll start by investigating what exactly pathogens are and explore the debate about whether viruses are living or non-living.


1.12-1.13 How do viruses behave like parasites of living organisms? (13 slides)

In this section, you’ll explore how viruses can behave like cellular parasites. You’ll calculate how big they are compared with eukaryotic (plant and animal) and prokaryotic (bacterial) cells. You will also become familiar with what structures they have that permit them to get inside cells and take them over.


1.14-1.16 How does SARS-CoV-2 fit in? (11 slides)
In this section, you’ll focus on how SARS-CoV-2 behaves as a parasite, and in particular, on the important interaction between its envelope and the host cell that permits it to slip inside its host cells. You’ll also make up a hand-washing song about SARS-CoV-2.


1.17 Vocab review


1.18 Apply your new knowledge!
Read the following news article about how soap affects the SARS-CoV-2 envelope and answer the questions on your worksheet.
Link here.


Documents:

1.18 Reading worksheet

Lesson 1.2