Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
12:23
In Vitro Selection of Aptamers to Differentiate Infectious from Non-Infectious Viruses
Published on: September 7, 2022
1.9K
Variation and multilevel selection of SARS-CoV-2
Neil W Blackstone1, Sarah R Blackstone2, Anne T Berg3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|September 4, 2020
Summary
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is influenced by pathogen and host-level selection. Understanding transmission dynamics is key to predicting strain virulence and guiding public health strategies for this virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 is not fully understood.
- Theoretical models propose two levels of selection: individual pathogen and within-host pathogen group.
- Rapid viral replication is favored, but excessive virulence can lead to host demise before transmission, creating a trade-off.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 based on theoretical predictions.
- To investigate the relationship between transmission rates and pathogen virulence.
- To inform public health strategies regarding SARS-CoV-2 strain variation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of pathogen evolution in a group-structured population.
- Analysis of existing data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and severity.
- Consideration of epidemiological factors such as population density and founder effects.
Main Results:
- High population density and rapid transmission may favor more pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 strains.
- Slower transmission dynamics could select for less pathogenic strains.
- Strain variation may impact vaccine efficacy and therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 evolution appears to align with theoretical predictions of virulence-transmission trade-offs.
- Public health interventions, including testing and contact tracing, may need to consider symptom severity and transmission potential.
- Understanding strain diversity is crucial for effective pandemic response and vaccine development.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
17.6K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
17.6K
01:25Genetic Variation
1.1K
Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
1.1K
01:46Types of Selection
43.5K
Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...
43.5K
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
1.2K
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
1.2K
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
22.8K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
22.8K
01:49Multiple Allele Traits
37.5K
The Concept of Multiple Allelism
37.5K