1. Explore - Foundations of Viruses, Their Parts and Types
In this section, students build the scientific foundation needed to understand what viruses are and why they are unique biological entities. They explore how viral structure relates to function, how viruses replicate using host cells, and how viruses can be classified into different types. This Explore phase prepares learners for the next stages of the unit, where they will model viruses using 3D tools and visualize them in Augmented Reality (AR), transforming invisible biology into interactive learning objects.
1.4 How Viruses Infect Cells (Viral Life Cycle – Basics)
A simplified viral life cycle includes these stages:
- Attachment: The virus binds to specific receptors on the host cell surface using spikes or surface proteins.
- Entry: The virus (or its genome) enters the host cell. Enveloped viruses often fuse with membranes; others may enter through endocytosis.
- Replication & protein production: The host cell produces viral genetic copies and viral proteins.
- Assembly: New virus particles are assembled from newly made parts.
- Release: New viruses leave the cell, either by bursting the cell (lysis) or by budding (common in enveloped viruses).
This life cycle explains why viruses depend on hosts and why they can cause damage: viral replication can disrupt normal cell function.