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

Question

• Yes, because mutated viruses have less mRNA so they can copy and replicate faster.
• Yes, because mutated viruses are able to infect more hosts.
• No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.
• No, because mutated viruses may be less likely to replicate.

Answer 1

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

Antigenic drift and mutations can sometimes allow viruses to evade the immune system, but not all mutations are beneficial. Some mutations may hinder the virus's ability to replicate or spread, and various mutations can result in different immune responses from the host. Therefore, while some mutations may be advantageous, others can be detrimental to the virus's survival and replication.