Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 genome (SARS-CoV-2 genome)

The SARS-CoV-2 genome consists of a linear, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecule of approximately 29.9 kilobases in length[1][2][4]. It encodes between 11 and 29 proteins through multiple open reading frames (ORFs), including both structural proteins—such as spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N)—and nonstructural proteins (NSPs) essential for viral replication and transcription[1][2][4][5]. The genome's organization and elements show high similarity to other coronaviruses and support functions such as replication, immune evasion, and viral assembly. The genome itself is not a direct therapeutic target; rather, antiviral drugs and vaccines target viral proteins encoded by this genome, such as the spike protein or the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase[1][2][6]. Detection of the genome forms the basis for molecular diagnostics in COVID-19 (PCR, RT-PCR)[4].

Other names

SARS 2 genomeCOVID-19 virus genome2019-nCoV genomeCoronavirus genome (referring specifically to SARS-CoV-2)

Not applicable (therapeutic drugs act on viral enzymes or structural proteins encoded by the genome)