Genome sequencing can help scientists monitor small changes in the virus at a national or international scale to understand how it is spreading and provide insight into how different cases are linked. Genomic testing helps track the source of mystery cases, the ones whose source of infection remains unknown. The novel coronavirus genome is about 30,000 letters long, but tiny compared with the 3 billion letters that make up the DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, of the human genome. The virus can alter the genetic signature of the hosts as it replicates itself inside them. "By identifying this genetic variation, we can establish how different cases of coronavirus are linked," UNSW scientist Rowena Bull said.

Source: bd News24 December 10, 2020 02:26 UTC