by Eric Martz
Many copies of the spike protein of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 are seen, in the electron microscope, sticking out from the surface of the virion (virus particle), making it look somewhat like a crown -- hence the name coronavirus. The spike protein is called protein S of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and plays a central role in binding to host cells, and getting the RNA genes of the virus into the cell, initiating infection. Thus, knowledge of its protein molecular structure and function is crucial to developing effective therapies and vaccines.
