Viral DNA Integration

Description
In this hands-on activity, students model how a double-stranded DNA copy of the HIV genome is integrated into the host cell DNA.
This activity is part of a series of activities and demonstrations focusing on various aspects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) life cycle. In this activity, students model the integration step.
HIV is a retrovirus. Retroviruses are distinguished from other types of viruses by two key steps in the replication cycle: reverse transcription and integration. After HIV infects a host cell, reverse transcription results in the production of a double-stranded DNA copy of the single-stranded HIV RNA genome. Integration results in the insertion of the HIV DNA into a region of the host genome.
Student Learning Targets
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Model how viral RNA is integrated into host cell DNA by using different colors of plastic pop beads.
- Apply concepts related to DNA and RNA synthesis to viral replication processes.
Details
DNA, genome, integrase, reverse transcriptase, RNA, transcription, translation
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Curriculum Connections
HS-LS1-1; SEP2
IST-1.O, IST-4.B; SP2
2.7
ELA.RST.9–12.9
CC2, CC3; DP3