The occurrence of minor mutations in the genes that code for the antigens of an organism is called

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Antigenic drift is the occurrence of minor mutations in the genes that code for the antigens of an organism, leading to small changes in the antigen. This can cause a virus or bacterium to evade the immune response of the host and cause diseases such as influenza. Antigenic shift, on the other hand, is a major change in the antigen due to the reassortment of genes from different strains. Concealment and antigenic switching are not terms used to describe mutations in antigens, and crossing over refers to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

The Occurrence of Minor Mutations in the Genes That Code