COVID-19 specifically binds to which enzyme?

COVID-19 specifically binds to which enzyme?

• A. Renin
• B. ACE
• C. ACE II
• D. Angiotensinogen

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is that COVID-19 specifically binds to the ACE II enzyme (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2). This enzyme plays a critical role in the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, uses the spike protein on its surface to bind with ACE II receptors on human cells. This binding facilitates the entry of the virus into the cells, leading to infection. ACE II is predominantly expressed in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines, explaining why COVID-19 can have significant impacts on multiple organ systems, particularly the respiratory system. Understanding this interaction is crucial for grasping the pathophysiology of COVID-19, as the disruption of ACE II's normal function can lead to an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system, contributing to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and cardiovascular issues associated with severe infections.

The correct answer is that COVID-19 specifically binds to the ACE II enzyme (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2). This enzyme plays a critical role in the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, uses the spike protein on its surface to bind with ACE II receptors on human cells. This binding facilitates the entry of the virus into the cells, leading to infection. ACE II is predominantly expressed in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines, explaining why COVID-19 can have significant impacts on multiple organ systems, particularly the respiratory system.

Understanding this interaction is crucial for grasping the pathophysiology of COVID-19, as the disruption of ACE II's normal function can lead to an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system, contributing to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and cardiovascular issues associated with severe infections.