Fig. 7: Formation of Double-Membrane Replication Organelles

Early in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle, interactions between various non-structural proteins (nsps) and host cell factors initiate the formation of double-membrane replication organelles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum of the host cell. These include double-membrane besicles (DMVs) and convoluted membranes (CMs). Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), often thought to be an intermediate in the replication of coronaviruses, segregates into these DMVs where RNA synthesis has been shown to occur. These double-membrane enclosures for the viral dsRNA, are thought to create a protective microenvironment for viral genomic RNA replication and transcription of subgenomic mRNAs (sg mRNAs) of SARS-CoV-2.

Illustration of Formation of Double-Membrane Replication Organelles .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

Creative Commons License

Last updated: Feb., 2021
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser