Organism
RNA Viruses
TL;DR
RNA viruses (including influenza, HIV, SARS-CoV-2) have mutation rates approximately 10^-4 to 10^-5 per base per generation - 10,000x higher than bacteria.
RNA viruses (including influenza, HIV, SARS-CoV-2) have mutation rates approximately 10^-4 to 10^-5 per base per generation - 10,000x higher than bacteria. RNA polymerases lack proofreading, generating extreme genetic diversity. This enables rapid adaptation to host immune systems and antiviral drugs, but also creates high genetic load (most viral progeny are defective). RNA viruses exploit high mutation rates because conditions favor it: short generation times (hours), enormous population sizes (10^9+ virions per infected host), and intense selection (immune pressure, drug treatment).
Notable Traits of RNA Viruses
- Mutation rates ~10^-4 to 10^-5 per base per generation
- RNA polymerases lack proofreading
- Operate near error threshold
- Most viral progeny are defective due to high mutation load
- Examples: influenza, HIV, SARS-CoV-2