The Science of Coronaviruses

Part 2: How Do Coronaviruses Infect Us?

Paper Modeling Activity 2: Build a Host Cell

In order to replicate, the coronavirus must attach to a host cell and puncture a hole in its membrane, allowing it to inject its viral genome. In this activity, you can print, color or draw your own host cell membrane.

Our paper model provided below can be printed, cut and folded into a 3-dimensional physical representation of the membrane. You can also draw your own host cell.

We'd love to see your model! Send a photo or video to contactus@3dmoleculardesigns or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Computer Visualization Tutorial

Explore the spike protein.

Additional Resources

• livescience.com article: "Coronavirus 'spike' protein just mapped, leading way to vaccine"
• A recent paper reporting the structure of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 published in Science Magazine
• Editor summary of the Science Magazine paper linked above

Comparing Coronavirus to the Influenza Virus Infection Cycle

The molecular techniques used by influenza (flu) viruses to enter our cells have many similarities to the techniques used by coronaviruses.

This 8.5 x 11 poster, which you can download and print, also explores these five key infection steps:

1. Attachment
2. Endocytosis
3. Acidification
4. Apposition
5. RNA Release