https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/figure/article-52171.image.f3/

SARS-CoV2 Structure

This diagram shows a labeled COVID 19 virus. 

Indiana University

SARS-CoV-2 is comprised of four main structural components: the spike glycoprotein (S), the small envelope glycoprotein (E), the membrane glycoprotein (M), and the nucleocapsid protein (N). There are also several accesory proteins. 

Structure of SARS-CoV-2

The spike glycoprotein (S) is responsible for attachment between the virus and a cell-surface receptor, leading to the fusion of virus to the cell membrane. This membrane-fusion activity can only occur with the proteolytic cleavage of the S glycoprotein into S1 and S2 subunits, which continue to remain associated with one another after cleavage. 


Spike glycoprotein (S)

Accessory proteins play important roles as virulence factors affecting pathogenicity, release, and stability of SARS-CoV2 and aid in infection, replication, and transmission of the virus between individuals. The SARS-CoV2 accessory proteins are 3a, 3b, p6, 7a, 7b, 8b, 9b, and ORF14.

Accessory Proteins of SARS-CoV2

The nucleocapsid protein (N) is bound to the viral RNA within a coronavirus particle. The N protein plays important roles in viral transcription and replication, which are parts of the viral life cycle. 

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