As the coronavirus infects human cells

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

The virus that causes Covid-19, is currently distributed worldwide. It is known that at least six other types of coronaviruses infect humans, and some cause colds, but the two cause of the outbreak: SARS and MERS.

Covered with spikes

The coronavirus is named after coronarogenic spikes protruding from its surface. The virus is enclosed in a bubble of oily lipid molecules, which disintegrates upon contact with water and soap.

The introduction to the affected cell

The virus enters the body through nose, mouth or eyes, and then attaches to cells of the respiratory tract that produce a protein called ACE2. It is believed that the virus originated from bats, where he could join the same squirrel.

The release of viral RNA

The virus infects a cell, merging its oil membrane with the cell membrane. Once inside, coronavirus releases a snippet of genetic material called RNA.

The infected cells

Virus genome has a length of less than 30 000 genetic “characters”. (We have more than 3 billion.) The infected cell reads the RNA and starts producing proteins, which will keep the immune system in fear and help to collect new copies of the virus.

Antibiotics kill bacteria and not active against viruses. But researchers are testing antiviral drugs, which can destroy viral proteins and to stop the infection.

Create viral proteins

Progression of infection the mechanism of the cell begins to produce new adhesions and other proteins that will form more copies of coronavirus.

Build new copies

New copies of the virus are collected and transferred to the outer edge of the cell.

The spread of coronavirus infection

Each infected cell can produce millions of copies of the virus before the cell is finally destroyed and die. Coronaviruses can infect nearby cells or get into the drops that leave the lungs.

Immune response against coronavirus

The majority of infections Covid-19 cause fever, because the immune system fights to rid himself of the virus. In severe cases the immune system may over-react and begin to attack the cells of the lungs. Lungs clogged with fluid and dying cells, making it difficult to breath. A small percentage of infections can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.