Question

Viroids have __________________.

• A. Double stranded RNA enclosed by protein coat
• B. Double stranded DNA enclosed by protein coat
• C. Single stranded DNA not enclosed by protein coat
• D. Single stranded RNA not enclosed by protein coat

Answer 1

The correct option is D Single stranded RNA not enclosed by protein coat

Viroids are generally known as plant pathogens. They are small, single-stranded, RNA particles. They do not have a capsid or outer envelope of protein making them simpler than virus, but like viruses, can reproduce only within a host cell. They do not have capacity to make their own protein. They produce only a single, specific RNA molecule. Thus, the correct option is single stranded RNA not enclosed by a protein coat.