A virus is an infectious organism that reproduces within the cells of an infected host. A virus is not alive until it enters the cells of a living plant or animal. A virus contains genetic information wrapped in a protein coat.
Viruses can be useful as well as harmful.
A virus that mutates ensures its own survival by making itself unrecognizable to immune systems and vaccines. Even viruses engineered for useful purposes can be harmful if unchecked. Materials Procedures Adaptations Discussion Questions Extensions Evaluation Suggested Readings Links Vocabulary Academic Standards Credit Printable version of the lesson plan in rich text format. Use our Teaching Tools to create custom worksheets, puzzles and quizzes about this topic. Back to Top 1.