How a crown-like spike helps SARS-CoV-2 hijack your cells
In short: The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives, driven by a virus named for its crown-like spikes. These spikes allow the virus to enter your cells and replicate, but scientists are now learning how to turn these very structures against the pathogen.
COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. The term 'coronavirus' refers to the crown-like spikes located on the virus's surface. These spikes serve a critical biological function: they act as the keys that allow the virus to enter human cells. Once the virus has successfully breached the cellular barrier, it begins to replicate, making endless copies of itself throughout the body.
The transmission of the virus primarily occurs through respiratory droplets. These droplets are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, these droplets tend to drop within six feet of the source. While contaminated surfaces can carry the virus, person-to-person transmission via inhaled droplets is considered a much more common cause of infection.
To combat this, researchers are developing tools to slow and eventually overcome the pandemic. One key strategy involves vaccines and treatments that target the virus's spikes. Additionally, public health experts emphasize the importance of physical barriers. Dr. Ben Cowling from the University of Hong Kong has noted that there is very little transmission in environments where masks are worn, though he cautions that even with mandatory masking, social distancing remains necessary. Common symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and the loss of taste or smell.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Understanding COVID-19
- Also: Understanding COVID-19
- Also: www.nhs.uk — COVID-19
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-understanding-covid-19.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics
