CORONAVIRUS Binds ACE2 Receptors and Enters Cell

Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) being engulfed by a cell. Some viral spikes have bonded to ACE2 receptors (reddish tree-like objects) on the cell surface (pale green), and the virus particle is pulled in by endocytosis.

Coronaviruses have characteristic facets and a halo (corona) of spikes. The spikes are trimers (three identical proteins wound together) that allow the virus to attach to a cell surface. Once it enters the cell, its RNA is released and directs the production of new virus particles. This novel coronavirus is the cause of pandemic COVID-19. Design with an aquatint look.