Final answer:
Viral mutations and variants are categorized based on nucleic acid type, structure, replication process, and diseases they cause. The Baltimore classification scheme groups viruses based on mRNA generation. Other classification systems consider factors like capsid shape, envelope presence, and genome type.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viral mutations and variants are typically categorized based on their characteristics such as nucleic acid type, structure, replication process, and the diseases they cause.
One commonly used classification method is the Baltimore classification scheme, which groups viruses according to how messenger RNA (mRNA) is generated during their replicative cycle.
Other classification systems may categorize viruses based on factors such as capsid shape, presence of an envelope, genome type, and host specificity.