Name: _____________________________________ Date: _________________ Block: ______
VIRUSES WEBQUEST
PART I – Virus Vocabulary
Define the following terms using either the internet OR your textbook:
1. VIRUS
6. PROTEASE INHIBITOR
2. VACCINE
7. LYTIC CYCLE
3. INACTIVATED VIRUS
8. LYSOGENIC CYCLE
4. ATTENUATED VIRUS
9. BACTERIOPHAGE
Define it, then label the picture 
5. ANTI-VIRAL DRUG
PART II – Navigate to Biology4kids.com… VIRUS BASICS (http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_virus.html) to
learn some background information on viruses.
1. List THREE reasons scientists say that viruses are NOT living.
a.
b.
c.
2. What are viruses made of?
a. What is the function of the capsid?
b. What is the function of an envelope? Do ALL viruses have envelopes?
3. DRAW a picture of each of the types of viruses based on the descriptions given, then research TWO
examples of each type.
TYPE
PICTURE
EXAMPLE
H_ _ _ _ _ _
P_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
C______
4. What is a prion?
a. Research… what is a disease caused by a prion? What does this disease do to the human body?
5. What is a viroid?
a. Research… what is a disease caused by a viroid? What does this disease do to the human body?
Part III – Complete the data table below for the viruses specified using the links given:
TYPE
VIRUS
(include what type as
described in your first link
and list whether it’s a DNA
or RNA virus)
Type:
QUESTIONS
1. How is Ebola transferred from human to human?
EBOLA
2. What are the symptoms of an Ebola infection?
DNA or RNA?
3. When and where was Ebola first discovered and documented?
4. What is the mortality rate of Ebola?
Mortality rate = # deaths
# infected
INFLUENZA
Type:
1. What distinguishes Influenza A from Influenza B?
2. HOW can the Influenza virus change? (There are at least TWO ways)
DNA or RNA?
3. What are the primary symptoms of the flu?
4. How does the flu shot help and who should get one?
Type:
1. What does “SARS” stand for?
SARS
2. What are the symptoms of SARS?
DNA or RNA?
3. How is SARS spread?
4. Why is SARS so widely known?
SMALLPOX
Type:
1. When was the last reported case of smallpox?
2. What are the signs and symptoms of smallpox?
DNA or RNA?
3. What organization is responsible for the virtual eradication of smallpox from
the planet? HOW did this organization eradicate smallpox?
Type:
1. How big is the rabies virus compared to other viruses?
2. What part of the body does rabies attack and HOW does it affect this part of
the body?
RABIES
DNA or RNA?
3. What is the treatment for a human infected with rabies?
4. What is the treatment for an animal (not human) infected with rabies?
CHOOSE ONE VIRUS NOT ALREAY RESEARCHED AND WRITE DOWN QUESTIONS AND ANSWER YOU COME UP WITH
FOR IT. BELOW THE LINK LIST, INCLUDE THE LINK WEHRE YOU GOT YOUR INFORMATION.
Type:
DNA or RNA?
LINKS:
EBOLA LINK: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/index.html
INFLUENZA LINKS: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/fluviruses.htm AND http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
SARS LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/factsheet.htm
SMALLPOX LINK: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/smallpox/article_em.htm OR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox
RABIES LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/the_virus/virus.htm OR http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/bats_&_rabies/bats&.htm
YOUR VIRUS________________ LINK: