Structure of Coronavirus

The diagram of Coronavirus structure shows its following parts:

RNA

At their core, coronaviruses are mostly composed of RNA, which is a genetic blueprint. The coronavirus particles are organized with long RNA polymers tightly packed into the centre of the particle, and surrounded by a protective capsid. The single-stranded RNA functions as a molecular messenger, that enables the synthesis of proteins required for the other viral components.

Nucleocapsid

Bound to this string of RNA are nucleocapsid or nucleoproteins—proteins that aid in the virus’s structure and replication. A lattice of repeating protein molecules known as coat or capsid proteins makes up a capsid. These proteins are known as nucleocapsids in coronaviruses.

Viral Envelope

The viral envelope, which encloses the RNA genome, protects the virus when it is outside of a host cell. This outer envelope is made from a layer of lipids, a waxy barrier consisting of fat molecules. This membrane layer is derived from the cells in which the virus was last assembled but are altered to include specific viral proteins, including the spike (S), membrane (M), and envelope (E) proteins. Envelope proteins embedded in this layer help the assembly of new virus particles once it has infected a cell.

Spike Proteins

Spike proteins are the bulbous projections that are seen on the outside of the coronavirus. The Latin name corona is derived from the way this fringe of proteins appears under a microscope, resembling a crown. The receptor proteins on the host cells which are to be infected recognise these spike proteins of coronavirus. Just like all viruses, coronaviruses are unable to survive and reproduce outside of a living host.

A diagram of coronavirus shows the structure of the virus which has affected people worldwide. By studying the diagram of coronavirus, we can learn about the different parts of the virus and how it infects other organisms. Its structure resembles a crown because of the presence of club-shaped glycoprotein spikes. In this article, we will learn to draw a diagram of the coronavirus and its structure and discuss in brief the Covid-19 disease.