Genome Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Case Study: An Undergraduate Online Learning Activity To Introduce Bioinformatics BLAST and the Power of Genome Databases

摘要

The 2020 pandemic of COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on human health, economies, cultural practices, and higher education, but it has also provided a unique opportunity to teach about microbes in a highly relevant context (1–3). Modern technology has allowed a robust and rapid research response to this virus that has not been seen in viral outbreaks in the past. Data have been made publicly available at a record rate, allowing open access to the latest results and helping to direct public health decisions (4, 5). The genome for SARSCoV2 (causative agent for COVID-19) was sequenced and made publicly available before most of the general public even knew it existed (6–8). Professors and instructors teaching microbiology and other biology courses can capture the enthusiasm and true curiosity surrounding COVID-19 by providing engagement with scientific literature and helping students find answers for themselves (9). Free online databases make it possible for students to access cutting-edge genomic data for the virus causing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. With a basic introduction to genomics and bioinformatics, students can generate alignments, search for related ancestors, and discover unique mutations and sequences that make COVID-19 different from other coronaviruses. This article presents a COVID-19 case study that was generated and used during the COVID-19 pandemic and will allow students to compare genomic sequences of different coronaviruses to better understand the origin of SARS-CoV-2.