Neutral Mutation and cryptic variation

Neutral Mutation and cryptic variation

 

Introduction

Tamiflu had been one of the best treatments for flu as it treated the flu symptoms, but it also reduced the virus’s replication, causing the flu in the body. However, with time, the drug was rendered useless as the flu virus’s genetic material had mutated and phenotypically cryptic in the DNA sequence. The treatment did not affect it.

 

All flu viruses are made up of a protein coat on their surface called Neuraminidase. The human body is made up of DNA, RNA, and proteins that function as a unit in replication and transcription. During DNA replication of cell, an error can occur, causing a change in the nucleotide sequence resulting in Mutation. Cryptic variation arises when some DNA is not expressed due to incapacity to function in one strand of the gene. Therefore virus utilized these Mutations to gain more resistance to the Tamiflu drug. Tamiflu functions because it gums up on the virus protein neuraminidase, thus trapping it against its spread. Due to the random Mutation caused by inefficient transcription and replication of cells, the virus mutated, breaking away from the Tamiflu drug’s gamming. A Neutral mutation develops when DNA genotype produces a similar phenotype because the genetic code is redundant. The flu used the variations to mutate its neuraminidase protein and spread efficiently in the body.

Cryptic variation study is significant in providing potential solutions to human health. The study looks into ways to combat diseases and conditions by providing toxic drugs to destroy bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause harmful effects on the body. For example, through the study, chemicals are being developed to block Hsp90 from developing fungi and bacteria resistant to cancer treatment.

Conclusion.

Incomplete expression, replication, and transcription cause Mutation of cells in the body increasing virus mutation and resistance to treatment. The virus can spread without reducing its effectiveness through mutating caused by inefficient replication and transcription of body cells.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All flu viruses are made up of a protein coat on their surface called Neuraminidase.