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Viral Mutations

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...

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The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
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Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

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Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

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,...

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Eukaryotic Evolution

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The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2

Published on: November 5, 2021

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Aiping Wu¹, Lulan Wang², Hang-Yu Zhou¹

¹Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.

Cell Host & Microbe

|March 7, 2021

Summary

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome has mutated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, potentially increasing its transmission. This study analyzes emergent SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand viral evolution one year into the pandemic.

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Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2

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Area of Science:

Virology
Genomics
Epidemiology

Background:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The virus has demonstrated a capacity for rapid genetic mutation since its emergence.
Understanding these mutations is crucial for tracking viral evolution and transmission dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze emergent SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences.
To investigate the evolutionary trajectory of the virus approximately one year after its initial emergence.
To identify mutations with potential implications for viral transmission.

Main Methods:

Bioinformatic analysis of publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences.
Phylogenetic analysis to track viral lineages and mutations over time.
Comparative genomics to identify patterns of viral evolution.

Main Results:

Identification of numerous mutations within the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
Analysis of sequence data revealed significant viral evolution within the first year of the pandemic.
Certain mutations were associated with increased transmissibility, although further research is needed.

Conclusions:

The SARS-CoV-2 genome is actively evolving, acquiring mutations that may influence its characteristics.
Continued genomic surveillance is essential for monitoring the emergence of new variants and understanding their impact.
Insights into viral evolution can inform public health strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.