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

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.

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

No, because mutated viruses are like clowns - they might have some tricks up their sleeves, but it doesn't always mean they're beneficial. They can actually become less efficient at replicating or evade the immune response. So, it's a no from me, my friend! Keep those viruses in check!

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

The correct answer to the question is:

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

To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the concept of antigenic drift and the impact of mutations on viruses. Antigenic drift refers to the accumulation of mutations in the DNA of viruses over time. These mutations can result in changes in viral proteins, such as surface proteins, that are recognized by the host's immune system.

While some mutations may indeed help a virus evade the immune response and increase infectivity, not all mutations are beneficial for the virus. The effect of mutations on the virus can vary depending on the specific mutation and its impact on viral fitness.

In the context of the given statement, it is not accurate to say that mutations are always beneficial for the virus. Different mutations can lead to different immune responses, and some mutations may even make the virus less likely to replicate or be recognized by the immune system.

Therefore, the correct answer is: No, because different mutations cause a variety of immune responses.

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