Which of the following statements is wrong for viroids?

Correct answer: B. Their RNA is of high molecular weight.

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

Explanation

RNA of viroid has low molecular weight. The statement "Their RNA is of high molecular weight" is wrong for viroids.Here are explanations for each option:1. "They cause infections": This statement is correct. Viroids are small, infectious RNA molecules that can cause disease in plants. They do not infect animals or humans, but they can have a significant impact on agriculture by causing diseases in crops.2. "Their RNA is of high molecular weight": This statement is incorrect. Viroids have RNA that is of very low molecular weight. In fact, one of the distinguishing features of viroids is their small size, as they consist of a single-stranded RNA molecule with a low molecular weight. This sets them apart from viruses, which typically have larger and more complex genomes.3. "They lack a protein coat": This statement is correct. Viroids do not have a protein coat, which is another characteristic that distinguishes them from viruses. Viruses usually have a protein coat called a capsid that surrounds their genetic material, while viroids consist solely of the RNA molecule itself.4. "They are smaller than viruses": This statement is correct. Viroids are indeed smaller than viruses. They are among the smallest infectious agents known and consist of a single circular RNA molecule, typically around a few hundred nucleotides in length, whereas viruses can be much larger and more complex in structure.

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