When a virus mutates, which of the following characteristics does it exhibit?

• A. Presence of a cell wall
• B. Ability to perform photosynthesis
• C. Genetic variability
• D. Capability for independent metabolism

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a virus is — a virus is an infectious agent that requires a host cell to replicate and does not have cellular structures like a cell wall or the ability to perform metabolism independently.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics listed: presence of a cell wall, ability to perform photosynthesis, genetic variability, and capability for independent metabolism.
3. Step 3: Recognize that viruses do not have a cell wall, cannot perform photosynthesis, and lack independent metabolism because they rely entirely on host cells for replication.
4. Step 4: Understand that when a virus mutates, it changes its genetic material, leading to genetic variability, which is the ability of the virus to alter its genetic code over time.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the characteristic exhibited by a virus when it mutates is genetic variability, as this reflects changes in its genetic information rather than structural or metabolic features.