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Which of the following is correct about viroids?
Viruses consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed by a protein coat (capsid). Viroids, discovered by T.O. Diener (1971), lack a protein coat completely and consist solely of free, infectious, low molecular weight RNA. Mark Option (2) in 5 seconds!
In 1971, T.O. Diener discovered a new infectious agent that was smaller than viruses and caused potato spindle tuber disease.
It was found to be a free RNA; it completely lacked the protein coat (capsid) that is found in viruses, hence the name viroid.
The RNA of the viroid was of low molecular weight. Viroids contain RNA, NEVER DNA.
Statement (1) describes a virus (RNA with protein coat). Statement (2) accurately describes a viroid (free RNA without protein coat). Statements (3) and (4) falsely claim DNA.
Diagnose every choice: Know exactly why the right option works and why distractors fail.
Incorrect; infectious RNA enclosed within a protein coat defines an RNA virus (e.g., TMV, Influenza, HIV), not a viroid.
Factually exact; viroids consist solely of naked, free circular single-stranded RNA devoid of any proteinaceous capsid.
Incorrect; this describes a DNA virus (e.g., Bacteriophage, Adenovirus).
Incorrect; viroids strictly contain low molecular weight RNA, never DNA.
Virus = Nucleic acid + Protein coat. Viroid = Free RNA only (NO protein coat). Prion = Protein only (NO nucleic acid).
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