Question

Which of the following is a correct description of neither a prokaryote nor a eukaryote but of a viroid?

• A. Small bits of nucleic acid without a protein coat
• B. Globular proteins surrounded by nucleic acid
• C. Small bits of protein associated with lipid molecules
• D. Globular proteins lacking a nucleic acid coat

Answer 1

The correct option is A Small bits of nucleic acid without a protein coat

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 possess free RNA, it lacked the protein coat that is found in viruses, hence the name viroid. The RNA of viroid was of low molecular weight.

So, the correct answer is option A.