Design a Virus or Bacteria Model

Cold and flu season is fully upon us, as we sniffle and snuggle our way through runny noses and sore throats.

On a molecular level, there are fascinating things taking place. Straight out of an epic fantasy novel, a conflict of microscopic proportions is being waged within our cells. Extraordinary characters with complex and intriguing features are playing significant roles in the battle between health and sickness. Depending on whether you have a virus or a bacterial infection determines the cast of characters, their defining features, and the correct treatment needed to recover.  

These little soldiers of biological warfare are comprised of very unique components that determine how they behave and interact within our bodies. Each of these components serves individual and important functions.  For example, sturdy shells called capsids work like armour for viruses, protecting their genetic material. Spike proteins protrude out from the capsid, working like hands to grab onto the receptors of host cells to initiate and spread infections.

In the vastly different case of bacteria, there is a fully functioning cell with a central nucleoid that is like a computer running the show. Ribosomes work like machinery, taking orders from the nucleoid and building proteins to complete orders.

Linking bacteria and viruses are their marching orders, or instructions, in the form of DNA or RNA. In charge of ensuring that every cell knows what to make and how to make it, DNA and RNA store commands for every living organism.

July is also Plastic Free Month, creating a perfect opportunity to bust out some of that old plastic material sitting around the house and raise awareness of both the harmful impact of plastics as well as the science behind our health. The more awareness we can create around both subjects, the better we take care of our own health, and the wellbeing of our planet. In this resource, we will design our own bacteria or virus models using plastic materials found around the house. We’ll keep in mind the components that play significant roles in the behaviour and makeup of these microbes and showcase what makes them such effective pathogens.  

• Plastics – This is your chance to reuse those containers that are sitting around the house. For Plastic Free month we’re working to find ways to reuse the plastic containers that are already at home. Don’t buy anything new to help with your design, use your creative muscles to repurpose something collecting dust in your home already. Design your microbe with its function in mind. Virus molecules attach to receptors on the surface of host cells. What can you use that will make your molecule sticky? Or maybe it has lots of little “fingers” that enable it to grab onto cells. Bacteria use flagella which are like tiny boat propellors that allow them to swim towards nutrients and away from danger. Get creative!
• Mahi toi (Art Materials) - Get creative. You can use pencils, paint, pens, coloured paper, anything that allows you to create the complex structure of a bacterium or virus.
• Adhesive – This can be glue, tape, or even origami style folding to mould your packaging material into a shape suitable for your microbe.
• Cutting Tool – Use carefully and with adult supervision if cutting any hard plastic. This can be scissors, a box cutter, or even a jigsaw depending on how hard or soft your plastic is. Those under four or anyone using a saw or power tool will need close, careful supervision. 

Visualising the complex structures of germs can help us understand what happens in your body when it is infected and how we treat and prevent illness. Resting and taking the right kind of medicine allows your body to respond and recover while this biological battle takes place. When we know what is happening on a molecular level, we can appreciate the steps necessary to heal our bodies so that we enable a return to our normal daily duties. Once we understand what is happening inside our body, we can appreciate the importance of healthcare and preventative practices.