What Is The Relative Contribution Of Error-prone RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Versus Recombination-mediated Mechanisms In Generating Genetic Diversity In The Hepatitis C Virus Genome, Particularly In The Context Of Antiviral Therapy-induced Selective Pressure?

The genetic diversity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily driven by the error-prone nature of its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). This enzyme introduces frequent mutations during replication due to its lack of proofreading ability, leading to a high mutation rate. These mutations are crucial for the virus's ability to evade the immune system and develop resistance to antiviral therapies. While recombination can occur, especially in co-infected hosts, it is not the main driver of diversity. Instead, recombination may play a secondary role in combining existing mutations, but the continuous generation of mutations by RdRp is the dominant mechanism. Under selective pressure from antiviral therapy, RdRp's error-prone nature allows the virus to rapidly explore mutational space, facilitating quick adaptation. Thus, RdRp is the primary contributor to HCV's genetic diversity, with recombination contributing less significantly.

Answer: The error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the primary mechanism generating genetic diversity in HCV, particularly under antiviral therapy-induced selective pressure. Recombination plays a lesser role, mainly in combining existing mutations rather than creating new ones.