Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a genus of animal virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome and a helical symmetry. The genomic size of coronaviruses ranges from approximately 16 to 30 kb. The name "coronavirus" draws reference to the "corona" -- the "ring-like radiating structure" formed by the outermost part of the atmosphere of the sun. When observed under electron microscopy (E.M.), coronavirus particles exhibit a chacteristic corona-like morphology. The corona-like structures are actually formed by the viral spike (S) peplomers, which are proteins that populate the surface of the virus and determine host tropism.

Related Topics:
Virus - Coronaviridae - Envelope - RNA - Genome - Kb - Corona - Electron microscopy - Morphology - Host tropism

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Proteins that contribute to the overall structure of all coronaviruses are the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N). In the specific case of SARS (see below), a defined receptor-binding domain on S mediates the attachment of the virus to its cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).{{ref|Li}}

Related Topics:
Nucleocapsid - See below - Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2

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