Q2 / 180 · NEET 2016 (Phase 1) · Botany

Which of the following statements is wrong for viroids?

  • A
    They lack a protein coat
  • B
    They are smaller than viruses
  • C
    They cause infections
  • Correct answer
    D
    Their RNA is of high molecular weight

Solution

In viroids, RNA is of low molecular weight. Viroids, the smallest known pathogens, are naked, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules that do not encode protein yet replicate autonomously when introduced into host plants. Potato spindle tuber viroid, discovered in 1971, is the prototype; 29 other viroids have since been discovered ranging in length from 120 to 475 nucleotides. Viroids only infect plants; some cause economically important diseases of crop plants, while others appear to be benign.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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