Before revision:  As expected, there are considerable similarities of network metrics between the partially open and the closed states of the trimeric SARS-CoV2 spike protein . However, there are also significant differences seen at the domain-domain interfaces within a chain and across the trimeric interface. We discuss these differences in terms of the structural-functional aspects of the spike protein. Our comprehensive presentation and application of the side chain network approach demonstrates its worth in the case of the spike protein. The analyses of the network parameters show that the residues at the receptor binding domain and at the cell fusion level do not act locally but are supported by extensive global side-chain networks.
After revision:  As expected, there are considerable similarities of network metrics between the partially open and the closed states of the spike protein despite small changes between the two states at the backbone level. We also observe some differences at strategic locations in the network parameters show that the residues at the receptor binding domain and at the cell fusion level do not act locally but are supported by extensive global side-chain networks.