Members of the Bemidji State University College of Business, Mathematics and Sciences created informational videos to explain the novel coronavirus, how it operates and potential interventional strategies to inhibit it.

Dr. Holly LaFerriere, assistant professor of biology, explained the biology of viruses, specifically the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This virus is classified as an obligate intracellular parasite, meaning it relies completely on the ability to infect a living host cell in order to create and spread more viruses. Viruses are not alive, as they can’t move, metabolize or replicate on their own.

In a six minute video presentation, Dr. Marilyn Yoder, dean of the College of Business,  Mathematics and Sciences, describes the physical structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, explaining the three main components of a virus; the envelope, spike proteins and other viral membrane proteins. All of these components are created by the host cells, which in this case are humans infected with COVID-19.

Additionally Dr. Mark Wallert, professor and chair of the biology department, presents how vaccines are developed and the potential of developing a treatment for COVID-19. A vaccine is a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and drive an immune system response to protect the body, curing a host of the infection.

Contact

• Dr. Holly LaFerriere, assistant professor of biology; (218) 755-2946, holly.laferriere@bemidjistate.edu
• Dr. Marilyn Yoder, dean of the college of business, mathematics & sciences; (218) 755-2723, marilyn.yoder@bemidjistate.edu
• Dr. Mark Wallert, professor and chair of the biology department; (218) 755-2925, mark.wallert@bemidjistate.edu

Links

• Dr. Holly LaFerriere explains the biology of viruses
• Dr. Marilyn Yoder explains the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes CoVid-19
• Dr. Mark Wallert explains how vaccines are developed

2020-B-197