Entropy_dealer

Entropy_dealer t1_jbt6opd wrote

Reply to What are the selection pressures for RNA to DNA? Do viruses select genes through natural selection or some other processes? by NosticScience

Viruses select nothing.

A random mutation happen in a virus genome.

if this new mutation doesn't give the virus any advantage compared to the other viruses => this mutation won't be spread since there are far more viruses with the "wild type" genotype.

if this new mutation give the virus an advantage (infectious advantage, hide immune system advantage, cell control advantage, speed of replication advantage....) => this mutation will spread for the next generations of viruses since this virus has something the wild type viruses don't have that makes him more efficient in his "life" cycle.

All mutations are neutral until the context gives the holder of this mutation a positive or negative selection.

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