INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITY, BANGLADESH

School of Life Science

Department of Microbiology

ASSIGNMENT
BIO102
Biology and Society
Submitted to:
Dr. Syed A K Shifat
Assistant Professor
School of Life Science
Submitted by:
G.M Sayem Ahamed (2022594)

Date of Submission: 02/04/2020

  Q1- What is coronavirus? Name the three human
coronavirus strains which causes the most severe human
infections.

Ans: Coronavirus is a new kind of virus which creates diseases

in mammals and birds. But now, in human, it is causing
respiratory infections that can be mild and in some cases it can
be lethal.

There are three human coronavirus strains which causes lethal

infections-
1. MERS-CoV
The beta coronavirus that causes Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS.

2. SARS-CoV
The beta coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome, or SARS.

3. SARS-CoV-2
The novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease
2019, or COVID-19.
  Q2- How does the novel coronavirus transmits from one
person to another? What features of this virus make it
suitable for rapid human transmission?

Ans: The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via small

respiratory droplets through sneezing, coughing, or when
people interact with each other for some time in close
proximity (usually less than one meter). These droplets can
then be inhaled, or they can land on surfaces that others may
come into contact with, who can then get infected when they
touch their nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can survive on
different surfaces from several hours (copper, cardboard) up to
a few days (plastic and stainless steel). However, the amount of
viable virus declines over time and may not always be present
in sufficient numbers to cause infection.
A research shows that, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spike
proteins which are used to bind to the membrane of the human
cells that they infect. The binding process is activated by certain
cell enzymes named Furin. This Furin has a cleavage site that
makes SARS-CoV-2 transmit so efficiently and rapidly.
Though, this idea have been seconded by other studies.
(Source: MEDICALNEWSTODAY)
  Q3- Is the virus more lethal to certain groups of people?
Explain using available statistics and scientific findings.

Ans: Yes, Older adults and people of any age who have serious
underlying medical condition is at higher risk for severe illness
from COVID-19. As older people have less powerful immune
system they get infected easily and it becomes hard for them to
survive. It’s same for the people who are severely ill because of
any other disease.

“BBC said current estimates from Imperial College London are

that the death rate is almost 10 times higher than average for
those over 80”

“The New York Times published that nearly 40% of patients

sick enough to be hospitalized were age 20 to 54. But the risk of
dying was significantly higher in older people”
  Q4- What measures one can take to reduce the spread of
the infection? What are the public health safety measures
taken in your country?

Ans: As we know how this coronavirus transmit from people to

people we need to take some safety measures so that we don’t
get infected. One needs to follow safety measures such as-

 Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20

seconds especially after had been in a public place, or after
blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing.
 If soap and water are not readily available, will use a hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Covering all
surfaces of hands and rub them together until they feel
dry.
 Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed
hands.
 Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
 Putting distance between himself and other people.

This is especially important for people who are at higher

risk of getting very sick.
 In our country there are many safety measures taken so that
people may not get affected by coronavirus. Government
announced lockdown in every cities. ARMY and Police are all
over the roads to make sure people don’t get out from their
homes without any important reasons. For doctors PPE suits
are being made to protect them from sick people.