Image of Nidovirales

Description:

This negatively-stained transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed the presence of numerous coronavirus virions in this tissue sample. Coronavirus is a member of the virus family, Coronaviridae, which at their core contain a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome ((+) ssRNA). Under electronmicrographic examination, the envelope surrounding each virion is studded with a corona of points, hence the derivation of its name, which are actually proteinaceous in nature, and are outcroppings of its envelope's molecular structure.

Coronaviruses infect mammals and birds with upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The most well-known member of this virus family is the human coronavirus responsible for causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Created: 1975