SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, evolved after several different coronaviruses merged into one, a study has found. However, the slight differences make SARS-CoV-2 far more stable and 1,000 times better at latching on to a receptor on human cells, called ACE2, a study reveals. The spike on SARS-CoV-2 (right), the virus causing the current pandemic, is very similar to the spike of a different coronavirus seen in bats (left). Using cryo-electron microscopy, the scientists compared SARS-CoV-2 with its closest known relative, RaTG13. Antoni Wrobel, co-lead author of the study, said: 'The spike is the entry key that allows SARS-CoV-2 into human cells.

Source: Daily Mail July 09, 2020 16:31 UTC