COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2.
1.Early in the pandemic, researchers suspected that COVID-19 was caused by a virus. What are some ways that they could confirm that a virus, and not bacteria, was responsible for this disease?
2.What type of microscopy would be needed to view SARS-CoV-2? Why? What cell type or organelle would be of an equivalent size to this virus?
3.Based on the Baltimore classification of viruses, which groups would SARS-CoV-2 fall within? What type of genetic material does it contain? Are there any related viruses that cause disease in humans?
SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Genetics
4.Based on your response to question three, draw the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2.
5.How could SARS-CoV-2 be cultivated? What biological materials would be needed?
6.If viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are unable to metabolize organic molecules, where do they get the energy to undergo replication?
7.As discussed above, SARS-CoV-2 has an RNA genome. Discuss three differences between RNA and DNA.
8.During the course of the pandemic, several variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus have become dominant strains circulating through human populations. Discuss the steps that are involved with the formation of a variant and its increase in prevalence.
COVID-19 Treatments
9.One of the few drugs that have been found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 is remdesivir. How does this drug inhibit viral replication?
10.Predict which physical or chemical methods of control would be effective against viruses like SARS-CoV-2. List two physical or chemical methods and their mechanism of action.
11.What are at least two suspected reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, besides humans?
12.How can SARS-CoV-2 be transmitted? For each of the possible transmission mechanisms, discuss whether or not this is a potential source of transmission.
Direct contact
Indirect contact
Vehicle
Vector
13.Why is quarantine an important tool used by public health to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
14.How can herd immunity prevent the spread of viruses within a human population?
15.Some of the first vaccines developed for COVID-19 were RNA vaccines. After the administration of the vaccine, how does this result in an immune response if exposed to the actual virus?
Resources Provided:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
