During the early 20th century influenza pandemic, certain
viral strains adapted to humans by altering their preference for host cell
receptors. These changes affected both viral replication sites and transmission
efficiency.

Which viral adaptation would most plausibly explain
increased population‑level spread during human adaptation?

Question

During the early 20th century influenza pandemic, certain
viral strains adapted to humans by altering their preference for host cell
receptors. These changes affected both viral replication sites and transmission
efficiency.

Which viral adaptation would most plausibly explain
increased population‑level spread during human adaptation?

Answer

Enhanced
cleavage of haemagglutinin enabling systemic viral dissemination

Answer

Greater
binding to receptors concentrated deep in the lungs, increasing disease
severity but limiting spread

Answer

Greater
binding to receptors abundant in the upper airways, promoting effective
respiratory transmission

Answer

Reduced
affinity for respiratory epithelial receptors, limiting viral replication

Crowdly

During the early 20th century influenza pandemic, certain viral strains adapted...

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