Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Animal Viruses: Antigenic Drift vs. Antigenic Shift

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Animal Viruses: Antigenic Drift vs. Antigenic Shift

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Multiple Choice

What is the major cause of antigenic drift?

The mixing of RNA viral genomes from two different viruses.

The mixing of viral proteins to form an entirely new virus.

Mutations in RNA viral genomes caused by the replicase enzyme.

Mutations in DNA viral genomes caused by the replicase enzyme.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of antigenic drift: Antigenic drift refers to the gradual accumulation of mutations in the viral genome, particularly in the genes encoding surface proteins, which can lead to changes in the virus's antigenic properties.

Identify the role of the replicase enzyme: In RNA viruses, the replicase enzyme is responsible for copying the viral RNA genome. This enzyme lacks proofreading ability, leading to a higher mutation rate during replication.

Recognize the impact of mutations: These mutations can alter the structure of viral proteins, especially those on the surface, which are recognized by the host's immune system. This can result in the virus evading immune detection.

Differentiate between RNA and DNA viruses: RNA viruses are more prone to mutations due to the lack of proofreading by their replicase enzymes, whereas DNA viruses generally have lower mutation rates because of more accurate replication mechanisms.

Conclude the major cause: The major cause of antigenic drift is the accumulation of mutations in RNA viral genomes, primarily due to the error-prone nature of the replicase enzyme during viral replication.