Virion structure of a coronavirus. Coronavirus particle is shown to contain a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome bound to a nucleoprotein (helical nucleocapsid) surrounded by a lipid bilayer envelope. Petal- or club-shaped spikes (spike glycoprotein) project from the surface of the envelope giving the appearance of a crown of thorns or a solar corona. There are several other surface proteins, including hemagglutinin-acetylesterase glycoprotein, membrane glycoprotein, and small envelope glycoprotein.
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