Topic 4: Virus genomes

A. VIDEOS 

1. Genomes and Genetics
2. DNA virus genomes-1
3. DNA virus genomes-2
4. RNA virus genomes
5. +ss RNA virus genomes
6. RNA vs DNA viruses
7. Different types of virus genomes
8. Genomes and genetics (Lecture)

B. LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define viral genomes and explain their genetic uniqueness compared to cellular organisms.
2. Differentiate between DNA and RNA viral genomes.
3. Classify viral genomes based on strandedness (ss vs ds), sense (+/–), and structure (linear vs circular).
4. Explain segmented and non-segmented viral genomes and their genetic significance.
5. Describe the Baltimore classification system and its relevance to viral replication.
6. Explain mechanisms of viral genetic variation, including mutation, recombination, and reassortment.
7. Relate viral genome characteristics to pathogenicity, evolution, diagnosis, and vaccine development.
8. Interpret illustrated viral genome diagrams representing different genome types.

C. SUBTOPICS/LESSONS

1. Lesson 1: Nature of viral genomes
2. Lesson 2: Information encoded or not encoded in viral genomes
3. Lesson 3: Characteristics of viral DNA genomes
4. Lesson 4: Characteristics of viral RNA genomes
5. Lesson 5: Segmented vs non-segmented vs multiparticle virus genomes

D. STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Study questions