The names of the first strain of the virus, went from --"Wuhan virus" to "novel coronavirus-2019" to "COVID-19" virus, and now official designation is: "SARS-CoV-2 "(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
Image Left: pdb:6VSB -Prefusion 2019-nCoV spike glycoprotein with a single receptor-binding domain up. Released: 2020-02-26 in Protein Data Bank as 6VSB. Image shows the trimer of the spike protein with one of the three receptor-binding domains (RBDs) rotated up in a receptor-accessible conformation.
The virus mutated rapidly first in China to the more virulant D614G mutation which traveled to Europe and since became the dominant strain in the US. More recently even more transmissible variants have ocurred namely:
D614G mutation
B.1.1.7 and B.1.525 UK variant
B.1.351, South Africa (E484K variant
Brazil P.1variant
B.1.427/B.1.429, California Q677P Mutation
B.1.526, NY E484K or S477N Mutations
===>Start with the Novel Sars-CoV-2 Structure and Properties
See also: Why is simple soap most effective in destroying coronoavirus -- SARS-CoV-2?
Just as the 20th century was marked by the development of electricity, telephones, aviation, computing, and private motor vehicles, the 21st century will be marked by significant progress in a broad spectrum of technologies, among them: molecular computing, genomics, rational drug design, and alternative energy. What will be common to all these new technologies?
They will all be possible because of a greater understanding of The World of Molecules.
Image Left: Photosythetic Reaction Center (1PRC PDB) showing Chlorphyll "Special Pair". Image shows Chorophyll molecules (green); Pheophytin molecules (grey); dihydroneurosporene(yellow); quinones (red). See: Molecules of Color-- Photosynthetic Pigments
What are foods? Read about Fats, Fatty acids, Trans Fatty Acids, Proteins, Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, Phenolics, Aroma and Taste
Many compounds have been shown to have positive antioxidants effects . Read about Carotenoids, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, Epicatechin, Vitamin C, Proanthocyanidins...
What is a food supplement? Read about the B vitamins, Vitamin D, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Herbs and Botanicals, Amino Acids ...
Molecules of Life --DNA sometimes called the "molecule of heredity", is the primary chemical component of chromosomes and is the material of which genes are made.
What are emotions? What molecules make you feel the way you do? Molecules of Emotion are: Adrenaline, Testosterone, Serotonin, Dopamine.
Mad Cow Disease, Heart Disease, Cancer, Arthritis have one or several molecular causes. .. Cytokines, Hemoglobin S, Prions, Cholesterol,...
What is a drug? Read about Drug Molecules such as: Aspirin, AZT, Benadryl, Nicotine, Penicillin, Prozac, Ibuprofen, Lipitor, Novocaine, Oxycodone, Linzess, Ritalin.. see 3D structures..
What are pesticides and Insecticides, Read about common Pesticide and Insectides such as: DDT, Pyrethrum,Cypermehtrin, Rotenone....
What is a solvent? Water, organic compounds, such as Benzene, Turpentine,, Ethanol, Benzene, Acetone.
What is a Fuel? Read about Fuel Molecules such as: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Pentane, Octane, Decane, Butane, Ethanol..
What are pigments and dyes. Read about: Beta-Carotene, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Turmeric, Chlorophyll...
Read and view molecular structures for materials such as: Diamond, Fullerene, Cotton, Styrene, Graphite, Nylon, Teflon, Plexiglass...
Activities designed to introduce K-12 (middle and high school) students to the world of molecules -- Jsmol is now used. Many activities contain javascript assessments.
How does soap work, why does ice float, what is the geometry of methane, how does caffeine work in the brain, how to drugs work, diamond vs. graphite and more...
Common acid and base molecules--HCl, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide...
See molecules interactively using Jsmol-- hydrocarbons, drugs, amino acids, fats and fatty acids, photosynthetic molecules ...
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