Coronavirus Appearance

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course COVID-19: Basics and Biosafety Precautions. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Coronavirus Appearance

SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively large, spherical, enveloped virion measuring approximately 100 nm in diameter (80 -140 nm). It has a single-stranded, linear, non-segmented, positive-sense RNA genome about 30 kb in size.
2. Eckert, Alissa, MSMI, Higgins, Dan, MAMS. "This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses." CDC.gov, 2020, https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=23312
3. Bullock, Hannah A., Tamin, Azaibi. " Electron microscopic image of a negatively stained particle of SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19. Note the prominent spikes from which the coronavirus gets its name for 'corona,' or 'crown-like.'" CDC.gov, 2020, https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=23641

CDC generated illustration of SARS-CoV-2 virus (2).
Electron micrograph image of SARS-CoV-2 generated by the CDC (3).