Before You Begin
Question #45237
The Question
Retroviruses like HIV exhibit a high mutation rate, leading to hyper-variability that allows them to rapidly escape host immunity. This evolutionary strategy directly contrasts with the high-fidelity replication of eukaryotic genomes. Which of the following statements regarding retroviral replication is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The viral genome's inherent instability is partly due to the reactive 2'-OH group present at every nucleotide residue in its RNA.
- B.
Reverse transcriptase catalyzes the formation of an RNA-DNA heteroduplex but lacks the 3' to 5' exonuclease activity required for proofreading.
- C.
The high error rate during reverse transcription is an evolutionary trade-off that generates antigenic diversity, preventing effective neutralization by host antibodies.
- D.
To prevent lethal mutagenesis, the viral integrase enzyme repairs mismatched base pairs in the newly synthesized double-stranded viral DNA prior to its integration into the host genome.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Retrovirus|Reverse Transcriptase|RNA-DNA Hybrid Stability
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Functional Confusion and the Fidelity-Evolution Trade-off.
Students often assume that all organisms/viruses must possess repair mechanisms to prevent mutations (applying eukaryotic stabilization principles to viruses).
The trap relies on confusing the function of viral enzymes (assigning a 'repair' function to Integrase) and missing the core concept that for retroviruses, a high mutation rate is a deliberate evolutionary advantage for immune evasion, not a flaw to be fixed.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biomolecules - Class 11 |
| Concept | Nucleic Acid Structural Stability |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |