Up Close with The Enemy: The Coronavirus in Stunning Detail
A cluster of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) virions -- entire virus particles -- viewed through an electron microscope. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
SARS-CoV-2 virions emerging from a human cell. All photos in this gallery were colorized using either feature-detection software or Photoshop. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
SARS-CoV-2 virions dotting the surface of a human cell. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
A SARS-CoV-2 virion. Coronaviruses are named for the appearance of a halo or crown when viewed under a microscope. "Corona" is the Latin word for crown or halo.(Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
A computer animation of the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. The appearance of a crown comes from the spikes that poke from the surface of the virus. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
An electron-microscope image of a cluster of SARS-CoV-2 virions. Coronavirus virions use the spikes on their surface as a kind of key that binds with receptors in some human cells. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Once inside the cell, the virus releases genetic material that effectively tricks the host cell into replicating the invading virus thousands of times. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Each coronavirus virion is around 120 nanometers in diameter, meaning about 750 of them could fit across the width of a human hair. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Detail of a human cell heavily infected by SARS-CoV-2. Once expelled from a patient's body, the virus is believed to survive for up to several days on some surfaces. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
SARS-CoV-2 virions emerge from a human cell after replicating. Despite their apparent longevity, the virions can be destroyed with warm, soapy water. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
SARS-CoV-2 virions in a human cell. Medical experts advise regular handwashing and not touching one's face are the most important things to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. (Courtesy: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)