Question

Is the following statement true? "Antigenic drift and other mutations to the DNA of viruses are always beneficial for the virus." (1 point)
• Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts.
• Yes, because mutated viruses have less mRNA so they can copy and replicate faster.
• No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.
• No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate.

Answer 1

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

Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful; many mutations reduce viral fitness (replication or transmission), so antigenic drift is not always advantageous.