Understanding Mutations and the new coronavirus strain

Amid the news surfacing from the United Kingdom about the new coronavirus strain, we all are worried and uncertain for the new year 2021. This new variant of SARS-CoV-2 was termed earlier as VUI-202012/01 (the first Variant Under Investigation in December 2020). Its name is now modified as VOC-202012/01 (Variant of Concern 202012/01).

What is mutation?

The change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism is called a mutation. In Genetics, the mutation is one of the ways of evolution by natural selection. Depending on the alteration, a mutation can take place due to deletion, duplication, inversion, insertion, and translocation in the chromosome.

Types of mutation

Depending on the mode of classification, mutations are grouped in different categories.

		Mode of Classification depending on				Types of Mutation
		Type of the cell involved				1. Somatic (acquired) – a mutation that is not inherited 2. Germline (constitutional) – a mutation that may be transmitted to the offspring
		Mode of origin				1. Spontaneous – mutation with unknown origin 2. Induced – artificially occurring mutation
		Direction of mutation				1. Forward – mutation in which wildtype allele changes to the detrimental allele 2. Backward – the reverse of forward mutation
		Size				1. Point – change in a very small segment of DNA molecule 2. Gross – change in the entire gene
		Phenotypic effects				1. Morphological – affects the outward appearance of the organism 2. Lethal – cause premature death of the organism 3. Conditional – mutations that are expressed depending on certain conditions such as temperature 4. Biochemical – needs additional nutrients in order to grow
		Magnitude of phenotypic effect				1. Dominant – dominant phenotypic expression 2. Recessive – the effect is seen after more generations have passed 3. Isoalleles – these mutations give slightly modified phenotypes
		Loss or Gain of Function				1. Loss – inactivating mutations 2. Gain – activating mutations
		Type of chromosome involved				1. Autosomal – occurs in non-sex chromosomes 2. Sex chromosomal – occurs in sex chromosomes

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Severity of the new coronavirus strain

Mutation is very common in the seasonal influenza viruses that is why every year we see the news of an updated flu. This time the mutation took place in the spike protein (receptor-binding domain N501Y) of the SARS-CoV-2 that binds the virus to the human cell. As per the data, the new coronavirus strain is 70 percent more transmissible and hence the chances of spread have increased but the deadliness of the virus is yet to be tested.

Apart from the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK, other variants have also been detected based on the changes in the different receptor-binding domain such as –

	New variant due to change in the receptor-binding domain	found in
	S477N	Melbourne and some Central European region
	N439K	the UK and some European region
	Y453F	Danish mink farms
	N501Y	South Africa and parts of the UK

According to the UK scientific advisory body NERVTAG (New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group), there is insufficient data to draw a conclusion on the severity of the new variant.

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• Coronavirus – Transmission, Cure, FAQs, Live Status
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• What is the West Nile Virus

WHO’s stand on the new varient

As per the World Health Organisation, the mutation rate in SARS-CoV-2 is low compared to HIV or influenza viruses. Viruses make copies of themselves and these changes should be considered as an internal “proofreading mechanism” of the coronavirus.

Is vaccination still effective?

The main functioning of the vaccination is to boost our immune system to attack the parts of the spike protein. As of now, three vaccines are used as immunity boosters that are made by Pfizer, Oxford University, and Moderna. According to WHO, the current plans and procedures of diagnosis and treatment are still valid so far in the case of the new variant.

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Final points on the new coronavirus strain

As a precautionary measure and also to contain the spread to and fro flight ban has been imposed by several countries on the UK. With the ongoing holiday season and forthcoming new year celebration, we must adhere to the WHO guidelines that are updated frequently. To reduce the risk of infection along with the vaccination social distancing, masks, and good hygiene practices still need to be followed.

Stay healthy. Be safe. Happy New Year 🙂