Question
Is the following statement true? “Antigenic drift and other mutations to the DNA of viruses are always beneficial for the virus.”(1 point) Responses Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts. Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts. No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate. No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate. Yes, because mutated viruses have less mRNA so they can copy and replicate faster. Yes, because mutated viruses have less mRNA so they can copy and replicate faster. No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is: **No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate.**
While mutations, including antigenic drift, can sometimes provide advantages that allow a virus to infect more hosts or evade the immune system, not all mutations are beneficial. Some mutations can be detrimental and may reduce the virus's ability to replicate or spread effectively. Therefore, it is inaccurate to say that mutations are always beneficial for the virus.
While mutations, including antigenic drift, can sometimes provide advantages that allow a virus to infect more hosts or evade the immune system, not all mutations are beneficial. Some mutations can be detrimental and may reduce the virus's ability to replicate or spread effectively. Therefore, it is inaccurate to say that mutations are always beneficial for the virus.