Task: Research the structure of Bacteriophage and Influenza Viruses. Draw diagrams of each to show the differences in structure. Label the genetic material, capsid and envelope. Color code your diagrams to show similar structures labelled in the same color.

Bonus Task: Answer the question: What structures are found in bacterial cells that are not found in viruses?

Submit: Scan your drawings and email them to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 1.

Task: Create a 3-panel comic strip (1 panel per viral type) that illustrates and explains how each of the following types of single-stranded RNA viruses produce mRNA in a host cell:

1. Positive-sense RNA virus

2. Negative-sense RNA virus

3. Retrovirus

Submit: Send your drawings by email to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 2

Task: Complete the "justifying hypotheses" task on slide 16.

Notes:

1. The command term "justification" needs both evidence to support, and evidence against, a claim.

2. Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Within a population, there is genetic variation, and more offspring are produced than can survive. This leads to competition, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to pass them on to the next generation. Over time, these traits become more common, leading to adaptation.

Submit: Send your justifications by email to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 3.

Task: Answer in complete sentences using biological reasoning:

1. Why does the use of the same genetic code by all viruses suggest a possible single common ancestor?

2. How does the structural and genetic diversity of viruses argue against a single origin?

3. Why does the fact that viruses are obligate parasites support the idea that cells evolved first?

4. What is the significance of viruses using the same genetic code as all living organisms?

Submit: Send your responses by email to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 4.

Task: Create a labeled diagram or concept map that shows the relationship between generation time, mutation, genetic variation, and evolution in viruses.

Submit: Send your diagrams or concept maps to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 5.

Submit: Take a screen shot of the results and email to your subject teacher with the title: A2.3 - Activity 6.