Coronaviruses adapted to transmit across mammalian species: expert

The transcript discusses the impact of a virus that infected 80,000 people and caused 2,700 deaths, primarily in Hubei, China. It explores the transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2, likely from bats to pangolins to humans, and compares it to other coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which jumped from civet cats and camels, respectively. The mechanism of infection is explained, focusing on how coronaviruses use surface glycoproteins to bind to host cell receptors, with the S1 subunit playing a crucial role in this process.

What is the estimated number of people infected by the virus, as mentioned in the video?

• 50,000

• 100,000

• 150,000

• 80,000

According to Tara C. Smith, which animals are believed to have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to humans?

• Dogs and cats

• Civet cats and camels

• Birds and pigs

• Bats and pangolins

Which animal was the source of the SARS outbreak in 2003?

• Camel

• Pangolin

• Bat

• Civet cat

What is the primary function of surface glycoproteins in coronaviruses?

• To provide energy

• To bind with host cell receptors

• To replicate the virus

• To protect the virus from the immune system

What is the S1 subunit responsible for in coronaviruses?

• Causing mutations

• Protecting the virus

• Binding with mammalian cell receptors

• Replication of the virus