PCR based detection SarsCov2 RNA virus. Michael Wei Grade 10, University of Toronto Schools, April 18, 2022

The novel coronavirus is a RNA virus that causes symptoms that cause a number of different diseases to humans, including respiratory tract infections. The strain of the virus responsible for the pandemic is SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2), while the set of symptoms caused by it are known as COVID-19. The term coronavirus is the general term that refers to a group of similar viruses, including SARS-CoV-s. However, the term has since become a way to refer to both SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.SARS-CoV-2 is normally not considered to be alive, as it cannot metabolize or reproduce on its own. It is also considered novel, as humans have no natural immunity to it. The virus enters through the lungs and nasal passages, then binds to ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors on cells. Then, the membranes fuse and the virus uses the host cell to reproduce.There are a variety of options that could be used to detect the presence of viruses. However, the benefits and costs of each option has to be weighed to determine the most optimal method to use at the moment. Some factors include cost, speed, requirements, specificity, and sensitivity. To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, PCR-based tests are often used. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a RNA virus, reverse-transcription PCR must be used. This works by converting SARS-CoV-2 into a DNA template first, and then using that for the PCR amplification. Then, the DNA is amplified through many cycles of heating and cooling. The amount of genetic material will grow exponentially, allowing there to be enough for analysis in just a few hours.