RNA viruses appear to have higher rates of mutation because:
Correct answer: B. Replication of their nucleic acid does not involve the proofreading steps of DNA replication
- A. RNA nucleotides are more unstable than DNA nucleotides
- B. Replication of their nucleic acid does not involve the proofreading steps of DNA replication
- C. RNA viruses replicate faster
- D. RNA viruses respond more to mutagens
Explanation
The primary reason for the higher mutation rate in RNA viruses is that their replication process lacks the proofreading mechanisms that are present in DNA replication. DNA replication includes proofreading and error-correcting mechanisms that help maintain the accuracy of the genetic code. RNA viruses, on the other hand, use RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (enzymes responsible for copying RNA) that lack the ability to correct errors. As a result, mistakes made during replication are more likely to become permanent mutations in the viral genome.
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About Biodiversity and Variety of Life
Biological classification uses taxonomic ranks, binomial nomenclature and shared characteristics to organize life into kingdoms. The major groups include prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants and animals, with comparisons based on cell type, cell wall, nutrition, body organization, reproduction and evolutionary relationships; prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
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