What is Corona Virus Copy Machine?

After COVID-19 virus invades a human cell, it begins to replicate or copy itself. In order to achieve this, the virus uses its enzyme called “copy machine”. With the enzyme the virus creates its copies after copies.

The researchers recently have invented 3D structure of the copy machine enzyme. This invention has made it possible to decipher the working of drugs such as Remdesivir and their working.

Working

The COVID-19, as soon as it enters a human cell, binds to the human cell enzyme. The binding is done by the spike like proteins on the virus called the corona.

What does the 3D model say?

The 3D structure invented by the researchers found that the COVID-19 virus is similar to that of the SARS virus.

Significance

The research will help in bringing the efficacy of the drug “Remdesivir”. Remdesivir is one of the drugs that help in blocking polymerase. The drug is under trial of WHO.

WHO Trials

WHO has been working on four major trials. They are Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir and Ritonavir and the combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir along with Interferon-beta.

In India, the Gujarat hospitals are participating in these trials.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020