Question

Which of the following reasons are primarily responsible for the rapid evolution of HIV?

• A. Ease of transmission from person to person.
• B. Human use of antibiotics.
• C. Attack by immune cells.
• D. Lack of proofreading when copying nucleic acids.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Ease of transmission from person to person.

High mutation rates because of lack of proofreading mechanisms during reverse transcription in a particular individual primarily supports the rapid evolution of HIV. The shape of the membrane proteins also changes to bypass the antibodies that are produced against them contributing to further evolution. Finally, when the virus is transmitted from person to person, it diversifies further which contributes to evolving into different strains with different membrane proteins.

Option D should be the correct answer.