When two different influenza viruses infect the same cell, their segmented genomes can undergo reassortment which will result in

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Reassortment of segmented genomes of different influenza viruses can lead to antigenic shift, which is a major mechanism for the emergence of novel influenza strains with pandemic potential. Antigenic drift (A) refers to the gradual accumulation of mutations in the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes that result in minor changes in the antigenic properties of the virus. Loss of neuraminidase (C) or hemagglutinin (D) due to reassortment is unlikely to occur, as these genes are essential for viral replication and infectivity.

When Two Different Influenza Viruses Infect the Same Cell, Their