Okay, let's start right away.
1. The novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus.
2. The genome is one of the largest having 30K bases.
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| Molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 |
2. The genome is one of the largest having 30K bases.
3. The RNA is encased in a helical capsid, which in turn is encased in an envelope.
4. Coming to the most important structure, the surface of the virus. It contains 3 proteins.
- Spike protein
- Hemagglutinin protein
- Envelope protein
All of these are embedded in a lipid bilayer.
5. The Spike protein is further subdivided into S1 and S2. Multiple S2 subunits support one S1 subunit. This protein is responsible for attachment to ACE-2 receptors of the host.
6. The Spike protein by far is the only surface protein of concern.
Written by Sushrut
Illustration by Anagha Rao
Illustration by Anagha Rao
What is the size/thickness of the virus?
ReplyDeleteSARS-CoV-2 belongs to the betaCoVs category. It has round or elliptic and often pleomorphic form, and a diameter of approximately 60–140 nm.
DeleteReference: Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A, et al. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19) [Updated 2020 Mar 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/