LOADING 3D BIO-SYSTEMS...
0%
LOADING 3D BIO-SYSTEMS...
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
The virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. It belongs to the betacoronavirus genus and is characterized by its distinctive spike proteins that form a crown-like (corona) appearance. These spike proteins bind to ACE2 receptors on human cells.
Discovered in 2019 by Zhang Yongzhen's team (China)
Respiratory droplets, aerosols, contact with contaminated surfaces
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), Remdesivir, Dexamethasone, monoclonal antibodies, supportive care
mRNA/viral vector vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca), masking, social distancing, hand hygiene
The name 'corona' comes from Latin for 'crown' — the spike proteins on the virus surface look like a solar corona when viewed under electron microscopy!
Crown-like projections that bind to ACE2 receptors on host cells — the key to cell entry
Fatty outer membrane stolen from host cell — vulnerable to soap and hand sanitizer
Most abundant structural protein shaping the viral envelope
Small protein involved in virus assembly, release, and pathogenesis
Protein shell packaging the RNA genome in a helical structure
~30,000 nucleotides — one of the largest RNA virus genomes known