In this lesson, students will investigate the role of bonding and intermolecular forces in antibody-virus interactions. Through interactive activities, they will learn about the types of bonds and their impact on protein interactions. Students will extend this knowledge to understand how these interactions play a role in vaccine development and how mutations in viruses can affect binding strength.
Grade Levels: 8-12
Standard: NGSS: HS-PS2-6
Topics: Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Genetics Virology
Contributor: Kirstin Blase, Villa Duchesne Upper School
Acknowledgements: The contents of this curriculum were co-developed with Dr. Michael Vahey at McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU and were funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (CAREER: Assembly and Function of Viral Immune Complexes, MCB-2238165). These contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.