How Do Viruses Recognize a Target Cell?

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
This activity demonstrates the specificity of viral vectors for target cells in gene therapy delivery methods using two approaches: 1) STYROFOAM® models demonstrate viral ligand binding to receptor proteins on the surface of target cells; 2) Learners use paper models of viruses and cells to find the appropriate match between viral ligands and cell receptors.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
      • Genetic Engineering
    • Human Body
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Medicine
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemistry of Life

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Carillo, Alayne ; Turner, Vicki ; Stark, Louisa ; Malone, Molly ; Limson, Mel ; Starr, Harmony

Source Collection

  • Teach.Genetics

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, University of Utah, 2002

Funding Source:

  • Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 1 R25 RR16291-01