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Covid Study
Name
Institution
Course
Professor
Date
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Covid Study
Question 1
CVID-19 is the disease caused by the virus (SARS-CoV-2), while SARS-CoV-2 is
the specific virus causing the disease. Coronavirus is a broader term for a virus family, of
which SARS-CoV-2 is a member.
Question 2
Label Structure Role in replication
1 RNA genome The RNA genome of the
virus contains its genetic
information, including the
necessary genes for proteins
that are essential for the
virus to replicate itself.
2 Protein spike The spike protein of the
virus binds to particular
proteins on a cell’s surface,
facilitating the virus’s entry
into the cell. Once inside,
the virus releases its RNA
genome, enabling it to
utilize the cell’s mechanisms
to replicate itself.
3 Envelope The envelope provides
shape to the virus and
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safeguards its genome,
ensuring it remains intact for
replication.
Question 3
To enter a cell, a coronavirus must attach itself to receptors on the cell. SARS-CoV-2
is more likely to enter cells and multiply since it binds to the receptors more frequently.
Therefore, it is likely that this higher binding probability enhances the ability of SARS-CoV-
2 to replicate.
Question 4
Correct order: c, a, e, b, d
Question 5
Viral RNA polymerase is one of the viral proteins produced by ribosomes and is
essential for the genome replication of the virus. The virus’s RNA is copied by the
polymerase and utilized to create new viral genomes and proteins, creating new viruses.
Question 6
Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G)
Question 7
Yes, mutations in SARS-CoV-2 can potentially make the virus more deadly to
humans. These random genetic changes can alter the virus’s characteristics, such as increased
transmissibility or severity of infection, although not all mutations lead to more severe
outcomes.
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Question 8
The slower mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the influenza virus suggests
that SARS-CoV-2 undergoes fewer genetic changes over time. This relative genetic stability
means that the key targets of a vaccine, such as the spike protein, are less likely to change
significantly, maintaining the vaccine’s effectiveness for a longer period. Therefore, a SARS-
CoV-2 vaccine may not require as frequent updates as the flu vaccine, which must be
modified annually to match the rapidly evolving influenza virus strains.
Question 9
This considerable deletion will probably diminish the protein function, making it
harder for the virus to avoid the immune system. As a result, viruses with this deletion would
gradually become less prevalent in the population due to their selective disadvantage, as they
are more prone to being eradicated by the immune system. Young et al. (2020) found that a
SARS-CoV-2 variant containing a 382-nucleotide deletion associated with milder clinical
outcomes and a lower inflammatory response. Significantly, patients infected with this
deletion variant exhibited a reduced likelihood of suffering from hypoxia and requiring
additional oxygen. This indicates that the deletion lessens the virus’s capacity to evade the
immune system.
Question 10
The genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 samples collected from individuals
throughout time and in various locations could be compared. If there are differences in the
genomes, such as the number, kind, or composition of nucleotides, these differences can be
monitored to determine when and where associated mutations have happened.
Question 11
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I would choose the RT-PCR test for visiting a nursing home due to its higher accuracy
and fewer false negatives, ensuring a more reliable detection of any active SARS-CoV-2
infection before the visit. The RT-PCR test has fewer false negatives compared to the antigen
test, as indicated in the table.
Question 12.
If a person had previously been infected and has recovered, they could test positive
for antibodies but negative for an active infection. They will no longer have the virus because
they have recovered. However, they will still retain antibodies because they have already
fought the illness.
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References
Young, B. E., Fong, S.-W., Chan, Y.-H., Mak, T.-M., Ang, L. W., Anderson, D. E., Lee, C.
Y.-P., Amrun, S. N., Lee, B., Goh, Y. S., Su, Y. C. F., Wei, W. E., Kalimuddin, S.,
Chai, L. Y. A., Pada, S., Tan, S. Y., Sun, L., Parthasarathy, P., Chen, Y. Y. C., &
Barkham, T. (2020). Effects of a Major Deletion in the SARS-Cov-2 Genome on the
Severity of Infection and the Inflammatory Response: An Observational Cohort
Study. Lancet (London, England), 396(10251), 603–611.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7434477/
