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

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 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.

1 answer

The correct response is:

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

While some mutations can provide advantages such as evading the immune response or enhancing transmission, not all mutations are beneficial. Many mutations can be neutral or even detrimental to the virus’s ability to replicate or infect hosts. Thus, it's inaccurate to say that all mutations are always beneficial for the virus.