Both SARS‑CoV and SARS‑CoV‑2
infect human cells by engaging ACE2, yet SARS‑CoV‑2 exhibits more efficient
transmission and cell entry. SARS-CoV-2 has additional features in its spike
protein which influence how efficiently the virus can enter its host cells. Which molecular feature most clearly contributes to this
difference?

Question

Both SARS‑CoV and SARS‑CoV‑2
infect human cells by engaging ACE2, yet SARS‑CoV‑2 exhibits more efficient
transmission and cell entry. SARS-CoV-2 has additional features in its spike
protein which influence how efficiently the virus can enter its host cells.  Which molecular feature most clearly contributes to this
difference?

Accepted Answer

Presence
of a polybasic cleavage site in the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein enhancing entry efficiency

Answer

Exclusive
use of a distinct cellular receptor by SARS‑CoV-2 enhancing entry efficiency

Answer

Inability
of SARS‑CoV‑2 to bind ACE2 without auxiliary receptors, which
enhances entry efficiency

Answer

Absence
of spike protein cleavage sites in SARS‑CoV‑2 enhancing entry efficiency

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Both SARS‑CoV and SARS‑CoV‑2 infect human cells by engaging ACE2, yet SARS‑CoV...

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