Question

Why do RNA viruses mutate faster than DNA?

Answer 1

RNA viruses:

1. These viruses contain RNA as the genetic material and can either be single-stranded (ssRNA) or double-stranded (dsRNA).
2. Common RNA viruses include the Hepatitis C virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Influenza A virus, and Zika virus.
3. These viruses replicate at a higher rate compared to others as their RNA polymerase lacks the proofreading capability which is found in DNA polymerases.
4. The high mutation rates of RNA viruses boost their genetic diversity.