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Spring, 2004 Lecture Outline

2/3 BASIC STRUCTURES & FUNCTIONS
INTRODUCTION OF METHODS


Overview of variety of virus shapes & sizes

Structure:

2 basic forms- helix & isometric [cubic] (rod vs. spherical)
binary symmetry- combination of helix & isometric

identification of parts & basics of assembly

examples of representative viruses

Genomic structure & organization covered next week [Browse Wagner, Part 4]

Assignments on structure:

1. Computer Exercise 1 involves computer models & EM/SEM of viruses

2. Build a 3D model of a virus of your choosing to show next week

 

Intro to basic methods & terminology

Terminology 101:

in vivo: living cells- natural or cultured

in vitro: no live cells

Mass & dimensions:

freq. refs to molecular weights or mass (daltons): proteins

kilobases or kilobase pairs: nucleic acids

Viral component purification: valuable info on structure & components

modes of infection differ depending on host type

Quantitative methods: # particles vs. infective units

dose response curves vs. systemic infections


In-class discussion this week: How do you isolate & characterize the viruses?

Object- Identify methods & reason for choices

Do 1st: What are some of the problems to isolating & ID of virus[es]?

Why do you need to purify the virus?

How do you quantify viruses?

Do next: Prepare for discussion next time

Identify methods appropriate for your problem

Why did you choose these methods?

In what sequence would you use the selected methods?

How long will it take to see results of the assays?

Resources: Material & experiences from other courses [biol/chem]

Wagner, Part 3
Levy, Appendix 1- on reserve
Web links &/or do a general search

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 Updated 1/25/04 by thatcher@sonoma.edu