Viruses that attack bacteria are called
A. bactericides
B. prions
C. viroids
D. bacteriophage
The correct option is: D
Explanation of the correct option:
Bacteriophage or phage, in short, is a virus that attacks/infects a bacterium and inside which it replicates and reproduces. It comes in a large variety of sizes and shapes. These bacteriophages have genetic material such as DNA or RNA encapsulated in a capsid, attached to a tail that has fibers that are used for attachment on the bacterial cell surface. Most of the phages have a polyhedral capsid except the filamentous ones.
Explanation of the incorrect option:
Option A: Bactericides are chemicals that have the capability to kill bacteria. The growing spores of bacteria are targeted with the help of these chemicals.
Option B: Viroids are small infectious agents composed only of naked RNA molecules without a protein covering the capsid, unlike viruses. They are agents of certain plant diseases.
Option C: Prions, unlike a normal virus or viroid, do not contain any nucleic acid-like DNA or RNA, instead are abnormal forms of infectious proteins that can cause diseases in animals.
Final answer: Viruses that attack bacteria are called Bacteriophage