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

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

Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts.
Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts.

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 mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate.

Answer 1

No — "No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate."

Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful; many mutations reduce viral fitness (replication, stability, or transmissibility), so changes are not always advantageous.