Question:

Which statement is true about viroids:

Show Hint

Viroid = "Virus-like" but simpler. No Protein coat + Only ssRNA. They are much smaller than viruses.
Updated On: May 21, 2026
  • It has single or double stranded DNA or RNA
  • Protein envelope or capcid is present like bacteria
  • It has single stranded RNA
  • It has 'ds' circular DNA
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Viroids are the smallest known infectious pathogens. They differ significantly from viruses in their structure and composition.

Step 1:
Analyze the composition of a viroid.
Unlike viruses, which consist of nucleic acid wrapped in a protein coat (capsid), viroids are composed solely of a short strand of circular, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). They lack any protein envelope or capsid (making option 2 and 1 incorrect).

Step 2:
Differentiate from other pathogens.
Viroids do not contain DNA (making option 4 incorrect). Their RNA does not code for any proteins; they replicate by hijacking the host cell's enzymes. They primarily cause diseases in plants, such as Potato Spindle Tuber disease.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0