ACE2 Enzyme Receptor and Viral Pathogenesis

ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) is a protein receptor found on the surface of human epithelial cells. It gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic because the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses its surface spike protein to bind to ACE2, allowing it to enter and infect host cells. > The ACE2 receptor serves as the primary cellular entry point for the coronavirus, linking it directly to the study of viral disease transmission. Answer: (d).