Question

Which of the following statements are correct about viroids?

• A. They have free DNA with protein coat
• B. They have free DNA without protein coat
• C. They have free RNA with protein coat
• D. They have free RNA without protein coat

Hint:

Viroids = naked RNA pathogens in plants.
No protein coat differentiates them from viruses.
Common diseases include potato spindle tuber viroid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Viroids are small, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules that infect plants and do not have a protein coat, unlike viruses. They interfere with plant metabolism, causing diseases. They are simpler than viruses and consist only of RNA. Options 1–3 are incorrect as viroids are RNA, not DNA, and lack a protein coat.