Discussion 2: Explain how the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine works
This activity is based on what you have learned so far on the different processes in the central dogma (replication, transcription, and translation).
Activity Objective
This activity should enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the central dogma by communicating and articulating how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work to a non-medical layman.
Activity Background
Vaccines help train our immune system to recognize and fight an enemy. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19), the identifier for the virus is its S protein. If the body is exposed to the S protein, it is then able to produce antibodies against this protein. Thus, when there is a real SARS-CoV-2 infection, the body has an immune artillery ready to quell the pathogen. The question now is, how do we introduce the S protein in the body?
One of the vaccines designed for COVID-19 is an mRNA vaccine. This vaccine contains an mRNA that encodes for the S protein. The mRNA is packaged in a liposome (a phospholipid bilayer, you will learn more about this in Lipids). The liposome is able to fuse with the cell membrane thus introducing the mRNA into cell. From here, how then do we get the S protein?
Activity Instructions
- Find a friend or a relative who does not have a medical/biochemistry/biology background.
- Ask the person from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) to rate their understanding of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- Explain to this person the following:
- How the body is able to produce the S protein from the introduced mRNA
- Is there a chance that the production of the S protein is uncontrollable and will go on forever and ever (based on what you know of the RNA structure)
- Will the mRNA incorporate itself into the human genome and mutate humans
- How the mRNA vaccine will generally work
- Take a video of yourself with the person while explaining the concept. This video should not take more than 5 min. The central idea has to be brief and on point and you have to assess how to present this in a simple, easy to understand manner and yet scientifically accurate. Speak in a language that is comfortable to you and for the person to whom you are explaining this.
- After your explanation, ask the person to again rate themselves about their understanding of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from 1-5 (5 being the highest).
- Share your video and a brief insight about the activity to the class by creating a discussion thread. Again, the language need not be formal. Be brief and straight to the point (not more than 100 words).
This activity is graded under class activities. Check out each other's experiences and provide feedback or encouragement. You can also give each other "piso" votes to "like" their output.
Those who teach learn twice ;)