Viral vector chart
Wed, Nov 4, 2026 · Week 11 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Chart how viral vectors deliver a therapeutic gene and distinguish somatic from germline targets.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Diagram in words: A viral vector is a virus that has had its disease-causing genes removed and a therapeutic gene loaded in their place. It keeps its ability to enter a cell, so it delivers the healthy gene like a courier delivering a package.
Somatic vs. germline: In this case the vector targets liver cells, which are somatic (non-reproductive), so the edit is not heritable. A germline target (egg, sperm, embryo) would be heritable, which is why somatic delivery is the safer, standard choice.
Why vector choice affects which cells are treated: Different vectors prefer different tissues and have different payload sizes, so the vector you pick determines which cells receive the gene and how safely.
| Vector | Payload capacity | Integrates? | Immune response |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAV | small | non-integrating | low |
| Retrovirus | larger | integrates into genome | higher insertion risk |
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Completes the vector notebook page: a labeled viral-vector delivery diagram, a somatic-versus-germline distinction, a two-vector comparison row, and a sentence on vector-cell targeting.
- Date and label the entry.
- Record the procedure, observation, or design decision clearly.
- End with what the evidence means and the next step.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Submit your vector chart to Schoology.
Turn in: Viral vector delivery chart
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Put your first and last name in the document header. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about viral vector chart. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Comparing viral vectors by integration and insertion risk.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.