Is the following statement true? “Antigenic drift and other mutations to the DNA of viruses are always beneficial for the virus.”(1 point)

Responses

No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.
No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.

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.

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.

1 answer

The correct response is:

No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.

Mutations, including those that occur through antigenic drift, can sometimes allow a virus to evade immune detection and improve its ability to infect hosts. However, not all mutations are beneficial, as some may negatively affect the virus's ability to replicate or spread. Therefore, the statement as a whole is not accurate.