Compare Viral Vectors
Compare AAV, lentivirus, and adenovirus on integration, payload size, and immune response to pick the best vector for a stated need.
- DNA/RNA base pairing: Sequence and codon tasks depend on reading bases in order.
- Read a genetics model: Pedigrees, karyotypes, and charts are models that need a key.
Prerequisites are inferred: pending teacher review.
Re-learn the skill with worked practice and clear examples.
Compare the three vectors across all three columns to pick the best one for a stated need.
| Vector | Integrates into genome? | Payload (max insert) | Immune response |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAV | No (stays separate, episomal) | Small (~4.7 kb) | Low |
| Lentivirus | Yes (inserts into host DNA) | Large (~8 kb) | Low |
| Adenovirus | No (stays separate) | Medium (~7.5 kb) | High |
A therapy must put a permanent copy of a gene into blood stem cells that keep dividing, so the fix is not lost. Using the table, which vector fits best?
Reviewed| Vector | Integrates into genome? | Payload (max insert) | Immune response |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAV | No (stays separate, episomal) | Small (~4.7 kb) | Low |
| Lentivirus | Yes (inserts into host DNA) | Large (~8 kb) | Low |
| Adenovirus | No (stays separate) | Medium (~7.5 kb) | High |
- A.Lentivirus, because it integrates into the host DNA
- B.AAV, because it does not integrate
- C.Adenovirus, because it triggers a high immune response
- D.Any vector works equally well
Show the worked solution ▾
Answer: A. Lentivirus, because it integrates into the host DNA
- Step 1: Translate the need: 'Permanent in dividing cells' means the gene must copy with the DNA, so it must integrate.
- Step 2: Find the integrating vector: The table shows lentivirus is the one that integrates.
Why it's right: Only lentivirus integrates into host DNA, so its gene copies into every daughter cell: a permanent fix in dividing cells.
- B: Non-integrating AAV can be lost as cells divide.
- C: A high immune response is a drawback, not a reason to pick it.
- D: The vectors differ in the table, so they are not equal for this need.
Aligned to Bio-Molecular Technology · reading level ~grade 9
A team wants to avoid a strong immune reaction in the patient. Using the table, which vector should they AVOID?
Reviewed| Vector | Integrates into genome? | Payload (max insert) | Immune response |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAV | No (stays separate, episomal) | Small (~4.7 kb) | Low |
| Lentivirus | Yes (inserts into host DNA) | Large (~8 kb) | Low |
| Adenovirus | No (stays separate) | Medium (~7.5 kb) | High |
- A.Adenovirus, because it has a high immune response
- B.AAV, because it has a low immune response
- C.Lentivirus, because it has a low immune response
- D.All three cause equally high immune responses
Show the worked solution ▾
Answer: A. Adenovirus, because it has a high immune response
- Step 1: Find the immune column: Read 'Immune response' for each vector.
- Step 2: Spot the high one: Adenovirus is the only one marked High, so it is the one to avoid for low immune reaction.
Why it's right: The table lists adenovirus as high immune response, so it is the vector to avoid when minimizing immune reaction.
- B: AAV is low immune response: a good choice, not one to avoid.
- C: Lentivirus is low immune response: also fine here.
- D: Only adenovirus is High; the others are Low.
Aligned to Bio-Molecular Technology · reading level ~grade 9
- In Unit 2.2 Our Genetic Future (Gene Therapy), this skill turns class evidence into a result another person can check.
Fill these in as you work through the lesson.
- Vector (hollowed-out virus that carries a gene):
- Integration (inserting the gene into the host's own DNA):
- Payload (how big a gene the vector can carry):
- Immune response (how strongly the body reacts to the vector):
To choose a vector, match the need to a column: a permanent fix needs (lentivirus), a big gene needs a large , and avoiding a strong reaction means a low .
- Which vector integrates, and when would you want that?
- Which vector carries the largest gene?
- Which vector would you avoid if immune response must stay low?
A 5 kb gene needs a permanent fix in dividing cells with low immune response. Use the table to pick the vector and name the column that decides it.