During antigenic drift,the genes responsible for the surface antigens on virus capsids mutate,causing the antigens themselves to be different.This process can lead to a formerly harmless virus to become infectious if _________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both A and B are potential outcomes of antigenic drift that could lead to increased infectivity of a previously harmless virus. If the new antigen is able to bind to receptor proteins on host cells' surfaces, the virus may be better able to enter and infect those cells. Similarly, if the new antigen provides an effective way for the viruses to exit host cells, the virus may be better able to infect other cells or spread to new hosts.

During Antigenic Drift,the Genes Responsible for the Surface Antigens on Virus