The biologist called the number of mutations “Omicron”

PhD in Biology Evgeny Tonevitsky stated that the omicron strain has more than 50 mutations. This shortens the incubation period as the virus enters the cells faster.

At the same time, Omicron multiplies in the upper respiratory tract, and not in the lungs. Tonevitsky said that the current vaccines are aimed at combating the S-protein of the coronavirus – the very “thorns” with which the antigen enters the cells.

The expert clarified that out of 50 Omicron mutations, 30 fall on the S-protein and the rest on the “predator fragment” that interacts with the cell. With the help of mutations, the virus “optimizes” the process of penetration into the cell and self-reproduction.