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

Question

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.

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

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

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

Answer 1

The statement “Antigenic drift and other mutations to the DNA of viruses are always beneficial for the virus” is not true. The correct response would be:

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

Mutations in viruses can lead to changes in their proteins, including antigens, which can affect how the virus interacts with the immune system. Some mutations may allow the virus to evade immune responses, while others may render it less effective at infecting hosts or replicating. Therefore, not all mutations are beneficial; some can indeed be detrimental to the virus.