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Related Concept Videos

Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

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Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
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Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
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Viral Mutations00:36

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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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What is Variation?01:14

What is Variation?

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Apart from the measures of central tendency, distribution, outliers, and the changing characteristics of data with time, an important characteristic of any data set is its variation or spread. In some data sets, the data values are concentrated closely near the mean; in others, the data values are more widely spread out from the mean.
The range, standard deviation, standard error, and variance are the different measures of variation.
Range: The range is the difference between its maximum and...
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Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

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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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Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs02:26

Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs

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Sequencing of the human genome has opened up several best-kept secrets of the genome. Scientists have identified thousands of genome variations that exist within a population. These variations can be a single nucleotide or a larger chromosomal variation.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
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Another flavour of omicron.

Michael Le Page

    New Scientist (1971)
    |February 14, 2022
    PubMed
    Summary

    The Omicron BA.2 variant is spreading quickly, but experts predict it will not cause a major global surge. This variant is unlikely to cause another worldwide wave of the coronavirus.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Epidemiology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, such as BA.2, presents ongoing public health challenges.
    • Understanding the transmissibility and potential impact of these variants is crucial for effective pandemic response.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the potential impact of the spreading BA.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2.
    • To determine if the BA.2 variant is likely to cause a significant worldwide wave of infection.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of current epidemiological data on the spread of the BA.2 variant.
    • Expert assessment based on variant characteristics and population immunity.

    Main Results:

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  • The BA.2 variant is demonstrating rapid transmission in various regions.
  • Current data suggests that BA.2 is unlikely to trigger a substantial global wave of COVID-19.

    • Conclusions:

    • While BA.2 is spreading, existing population immunity is expected to mitigate its impact.
    • The variant is not anticipated to cause a widespread resurgence requiring major public health interventions globally.