Question

Plant viruses have _____ and animal viruses are _____.

• A. DNA and Tadpole shaped
• B. RNA and Polyhedral shaped
• C. RNA or DNA and Varied in shape
• D. RNA and DNA and Rod shaped

Answer 1

The correct option is C

RNA or DNA and Varied in shape

Plant viruses can have either RNA or DNA as their genetic material. For instance, the cauliflower mosaic virus contains dsDNA (double-stranded DNA). It is circular and shows semi-discontinuous type of replication. RNA is the genetic material in other plant viruses like the tobacco mosaic virus. Animal viruses are of a variety of shapes. The influenza virus for instance, is spherical in shape, measuring about 800-1200$\stackrel{\circ }{A}$ in diameter. Based on the host, certain viruses even have the ability to change their structure accordingly, as is the case of HIV.