ISSN: 2576-1471
Research Assistant, George Washington University, Washington, United States
Short Communication
Understanding the genetics of COVID-19
Author(s): Tyson Dawson*
The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is composed of a single strand of RNA with a positive strand (ready for translation and
consequent synthesis of its proteins). The genome is considered large, with 29,903 base pairs. There are at least 50
different sites where translation can begin (open reading frames – ORFs). These ORFs are each of the RNA
sequences understood to include a start codon (AUG), a stop codon (UAG, UAA, or UGA), and the codons between
them. This variable origin of transcription sequences allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to encode for around 50 proteins
that have non-structural, structural, and accessory functions... View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2576-1471.21.6.240