COVID-19

Question 1

why are viruses not considered living?

Answer 1

they do not have cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosome and can not replicate independently

Question 2

what is the structure of a virus?

Answer 2

they have a genome - RNA or DNA and protein shell

Question 3

what is the biggest factor of getting sick?

Answer 3

age

Question 4

what is the SAR-CoV-2 life cycle?

Answer 4

1. spike protein binds to ACE2 receptor
2. releases viral genome
3. replicates the genome
4. transcriptions of the trial genome
5. viral proteins using host machinery (highjack)
6. assembly of viral particle
7. formation of the mature virus
8. exocytosis (exits)- makes multiple

Question 5

How does SAR-CoV-2 damage the body?

Answer 5

triggers immune cells to release cytokines - recruiting white blood cells to the cite of infection to fight it off
cytokine storm - overwhelms the body - multi-organ failure/death

Question 6

what part of SAR-CoV-2 is most likely to impact the function?

Answer 6

mutations to a.a binding to ACE2 increases ACE2 binding

Question 7

what is the effective reproduction number (Rt)?

Answer 7

R0 + host immunity + host behaviour

Question 8

how is SAR-CoV-2 transmitted?

Answer 8

through aerosols - small droplet that remain suspended in the air (airborne)

Question 9

what is excess mortality?

Answer 9

deaths from all causes compared to projection based on previous years

Question 10

what would happen if SAR-CoV-2 escaped the lungs?

Answer 10

ACE2 receptors throughout the body would be found