Question

Which of the following viruses is likely to have the highest genomic mutation rate?

• A. Smallpox virus
• B. Polio virus
• C. Hepatitis B Virus
• D. Adenovirus

Hint:

• RNA viruses → High mutation rate
• DNA viruses → More stable genome

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Mutation rates in viruses depend on the type of polymerase used during replication:
• RNA viruses: High mutation rate (lack proofreading)
• DNA viruses: Lower mutation rate (proofreading present)

Step 1: Analyzing each virus.

• Smallpox virus: DNA virus → Low mutation rate.
• Polio virus: RNA virus → High mutation rate.
• Hepatitis B virus: DNA virus (with reverse transcription) → moderate mutation rate.
• Adenovirus: DNA virus → Low mutation rate.

Step 2: Selecting the correct answer.
Since RNA viruses mutate faster, Polio virus has the highest mutation rate.