This is a diagram displaying the increased amount of interactions between the amino acid residues of the mutated SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein (mutations N501 and Y501) and the ACE2 receptor. The increased amount of interactions between the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor likely cause the increased binding affinity of the virus to human cells which makes it more transmissible. 

N501 and Y501 Cause Increased Binding Affinity

- N501Y (Believed to cause the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to have a greater binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor in human cells)

Grand Valley State University

The SARS-CoV-2 UK variant has been known as B.1.1.7. This new variant has developed around 20 mutations which translates to approximately 2 mutations in the genome per month. Most of the variability between strains is within the spike receptor binding domain (RBG) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Location of Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 UK Variant

Santos, J. C., &amp; Passos, G. A. (2020). The high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 is associated with increased interaction force between Spike-ACE2 caused by the viral N501Y mutation. BioRxiv. doi:10.1101/2020.12.29.424708.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After