Viruses having RNA genome and having shorter lifespan, mutate and evolve faster because

Question

Viruses having RNA genome and having shorter lifespan, mutate and evolve faster because (A) RNA is unstable and mutates at faster rate (B) RNA is stable and mutates at faster rate (C) RNA is stable and mutates at slower rate (D) RNA is unstable and mutates at slower rate

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate. Infact RNA being unstable, mutates at a faster rate. Consequently, viruses having RNA genome and shorter lifespan, mutate and evolve faster.

Q. Viruses having RNA genome and having shorter lifespan, mutate and evolve faster because

RNA is unstable and mutates at faster rate

RNA is stable and mutates at faster rate

RNA is stable and mutates at slower rate

RNA is unstable and mutates at slower rate

Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate. Infact RNA being unstable, mutates at a faster rate. Consequently, viruses having RNA genome and shorter lifespan, mutate and evolve faster.