3.2.4

Virology

You will understand that the causes of certain cancers are linked to some viruses.

And you will understand the role that virologist play in studying, preventing and treating these viruses.

You will be able to Discuss cancers that are linked to viral infections. Assume the role of a virologist working to develop a new

vaccine or drug. Reflect if virology is a career area they would be interested in

pursuing. You will show what you have learned

Answering Success Check today Creating a mock interview with a virologist – Due Monday

Write as many specific examples as you can of:

VIRUSES that are linked with a specific type of

CANCER

Sue Smith just found out that her cousin, Maria, was diagnosed with precancerous cells of her cervix.

The precancerous cells were detected in the glandular tissue of her cervix during a routine Pap test, a screening test used to detect cervical cell changes.

Maria’s doctor ran tests and determined that the abnormal cells were caused by a Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Maria had the precancerous cells removed with cryosurgery, a procedure that uses the extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen or argon gas to destroy the abnormal tissue.

Maria is fine now and cancer-free, but has to go in more often for routine pap tests over the next few years to make sure that cancerous cells do not form.

Cervical cancer strikes nearly a half a million women each year worldwide.

HPV infections are the primary cause of cervical cancer.

In lesson 3.1 you learned that cancer is caused by genetic mutations, so how is it that a virus, such as HPV, can cause cancer?

You learned in PBS that viruses are non-living particles which contain DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein capsid. They attach themselves to a host cell, insert their genetic material into the cell, and then completely take over all of the cell processes.

When viruses insert their DNA or RNA into the host cell, the host cell’s genes are mutated.

These mutations can sometimes cause the cell to become cancerous.

There are a variety of viruses known to be associated with particular cancers, including HPV, the Epstein Bar Virus, the Hepatitis B Virus, and the Hepatitis C Virus.

Virologists, scientists who study viruses, are constantly looking to create new drugs to cure these infections, as well as develop vaccines to prevent them from developing. In this activity, you will explore this career field and create a mock interview with a virologist who is working on creating a vaccine.

Create a concept map as we discuss- Human Papilloma Viruses Epstein-Barr Virus Hepatitis B and C

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection.

HPV causes abnormal cells to start growing and eventually can turn into cancer cells.

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is linked to mouth and throat cancer. There is a vaccine available that protects

against 4 types of the HPV virus.

EBV is a type of herpes virus known for causing infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as “mono”).

EBV infects and stays in B lymphocytes. EBV infection increases a person’s risk of

developing nasopharyngeal cancer and Burkitt lymphoma.

EBV is also linked to Hodgkin diseases and stomach cancer.

http://video.about.com/lymphoma/Hodgkins-Lymphoma.htm

No vaccine or medications are available.

Both viruses are known to cause liver infection. The long-term infection caused by these viruses

increases a person’s chance of developing liver cancer.

There is a vaccine available to prevent HBV infection.

There are a few medications available that are effective in treating HBV and HCV infections.

Use reliable sources on the Internet to research a career in virology. Find out about

EDUCATION JOB DUTIES SALARY

Don’t forget to note your source – you must cite them.

Create a mock interview with a virologist Create a mock interview with a virologist either working to develop a new vaccine or drug for one of the viruses from the presentation.

You must ask at least five questions and provide complete answers as if you were the person being interviewed. TO TURN IN, write the question in one color pen and the answer in a different color.

Your interview should be factual, but it should also be creative. Create a fictitious name for the product that you are developing, as

well as the company you are working for. Your questions must address the following topics:

o  The education or training necessary for this job o  A typical day in the life of this professional o  Your salary o  A description of the product you are developing and your hopes for

how it will prevent cancer

1. Discuss how one type of virus is linked to a specific type of cancer. PP- name the virus and type of cancer P – discuss HOW it might cause the cancer Adv – discuss how (or if) it can be prevented

and/or treated. 2. Would you be interested in a career in

VIROLOGY? Why or why not?

A person with the virus HOPPY is at increased risk of developing cancer of the BOOBOO. Since the virus HOPPY invades FOOFOO cells, it can cause a mutation of these cells which can eventually cause cancer of the BOOBOO. Since the virus is transmitted by person to person contact, an infected individual should limit contact. There are currently no vaccinations for the HOPPY virus, but a researcher at University of Colorado has had limited success with a trial that is being run. Obviously, there is still work to be done in preventing cancers caused by the HOPPY virus, but hopefully, the future generations will not have to worry about cancer of the BOOBOO!