Question

Scientists discovered that SARS-CoV-2 is 10 to 20 times more likely to bind to these receptors than the other coronavirus was. Predict how this increased chance of binding has affected SARS-CoV-2's ability to replicate.

Answer 1

The increased chance of binding for SARS-CoV-2 has allowed the virus to replicate more efficiently and potentially cause more severe illness.

Step-by-step explanation:

When SARS-CoV-2 binds to the receptors on host cells, it is more likely to enter the cells and replicate. This increased chance of binding allows the virus to spread more efficiently and infect more cells in the body. As a result, the virus can replicate at a faster rate, leading to a higher viral load and potentially more severe illness.