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As the mutant UK virus spreads rapidly around the world, cases of national influx also continue. There is even a saying that ‘Corona 19’ should be called ‘Corona 20’. I tried to see if it really is. This is FactW, reporter Kang Jung-gyu. ▲ Did ‘Corona 20’ appear? The number of gene bases in the COVID-19 virus is about 30,000. It is a coronavirus like SARS, which occurred in 2003, but was classified as a new species because the base sequence was 21% different. However, the corona 19 ‘mutant virus’ first identified in the UK in September this year has only a 0.07% difference. Experts say this is a simple ‘mutation’ of less than 1%, and it is not a new virus that can be called ‘Corona 20’. ▲ ‘Variation’ instead of ‘mutation’? The British government used the term “mutation” instead of “mutation” in the time sign attached to the virus. It stands for ‘mutation’ which has been investigated since December of this year. It is difficult to make a strict distinction between mutations and strains biologically, but when looking at the degree of genetic difference, you should see them as mutations rather than variants. However, there is one area where our quarantine authorities have caused confusion by mixing the terms “variant” and “mutation”. ▲ The vaccine does not work? Thousands of COVID-19 mutations have been discovered so far, and why is the UK mutant virus dangerous? 40% of the mutations occurred in the spike protein, a part of the viral bulge. Among them, it is important that the 501a protein corresponding to the receptor-binding region has changed. Because it binds more easily to cells in the body and antibodies can be neutralized. However, until now, the main opinion is that it is a fecal matter that can be caught with a vaccine. It’s good to be vigilant about the influx of mutant viruses, but vague fear or disgust can get in the way of quarantine. YTN Kang Jeong-gyu[[email protected]]is. Inside reporter Lee Soo-hyun [[email protected]]