Multiple Choice
How do retroviruses, such as HIV, differ from other viruses?
17. Viruses
Viruses
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When comparing DNA and RNA viruses, which mutate more quickly, and why?
A
They all mutate at the same rate.
B
DNA viruses because they usually have larger genomes and thus more loci for mutations to occur
C
DNA viruses because the host cell's proofreading enzymes do not work on viral DNA
D
RNA viruses because RNA is single-stranded and thus more prone to mutations
E
RNA viruses because no proofreading is done on RNA molecules
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that viruses can be classified based on their genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA.
Recognize that the mutation rate of a virus is influenced by the nature of its genetic material and the replication process.
DNA viruses typically have access to the host cell's proofreading mechanisms during replication, which helps correct errors and reduces mutation rates.
RNA viruses, on the other hand, lack such proofreading mechanisms because RNA polymerases do not have the same error-correcting capabilities as DNA polymerases.
As a result, RNA viruses tend to mutate more quickly than DNA viruses, making them more prone to genetic changes and adaptation.
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