2006-06-08 03:55:52 · 5 answers · asked by tater 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Viruses are trying to adapt for survival -- humans have evolved more, using more of their own successful genetic mutations to survive. However, I don't know if they mutate more, or if the effect of mutations is more noticeable because of the higher percentage of the virus that is effected than the genetic mutations that continue in humans.
2006-06-08 04:01:04 · answer #1 · answered by blueowlboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not more common in viruses, our genes mutate just as well, but humans have a system of enzymes (e.g. DNA polymerase) that search for mutations and 'repair' the damaged part. And, on top of that, when a mutational protein occurs in a cell, that cell is recognized by our immune system and killed.
2006-06-08 04:05:01 · answer #2 · answered by mordechai_diaz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they really "genetic" mutations, or are they always around, it's just a "survival" of the fittest in a virus form? Just because it may look a little different, doesn't mean it's a mutation. that would be saying all the different human races are all mutations.
2006-06-08 04:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is more redundancy in our genome. We have more genes in our DNA. We don't replicate as fast.
2006-06-08 04:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by PuterPrsn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause they're small? (I don't really know but it's an interesting question.)
2006-06-08 03:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋