The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Viroids are infectious agents that affect plants.  Which of the following statements about their structure is FALSE?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Viroid Structure and Function
	**Related Topics**: Viruses, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology
	**Prerequisites**: Basic knowledge of nucleic acids and proteins.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks for the FALSE statement about viroid structure.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Analyze each option based on the known characteristics of viroids.
	Reasoning: Viroids are unique infectious agents.
	2. Compare each option against the defining features of viroids.
	Working: Viroids are the smallest known infectious pathogens. They are composed solely of a short strand of circular, single-stranded RNA without a protein coat. Unlike viruses, viroids do not encode proteins.
	Key Point: The absence of protein coding is a crucial distinguishing feature of viroids.
	3. Identify the statement that contradicts the established characteristics of viroids.
	Result: Option C, 'Their RNA codes for proteins', is false.
	Verification: Viroids rely on host cell enzymes for replication and do not themselves code for any proteins.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: They consist of circular, single-stranded RNA. This is a true statement about viroid structure.
[B] ✓: They lack a protein coat. This is also true; viroids are 'naked' RNA molecules.
[C] :x: Their RNA codes for proteins. This is the false statement. Viroids do not code for any proteins.
[D] ✓: They are smaller than viruses. This is true. Viroids are significantly smaller than even the smallest viruses.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing viroids with viruses: Viroids lack a protein coat and do not code for proteins, unlike viruses.
			How to avoid: Remember the key distinguishing features of viroids – naked, circular ssRNA, no protein coding.
		2. Assuming all RNA molecules code for proteins:  Not all RNA molecules are mRNA. Some, like viroids, have other functions.
			How to avoid: Understand the different types of RNA and their respective roles.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. 'Naked' RNA:  A quick way to remember that viroids lack a protein coat.
		2. Smallest pathogen:  Viroids hold the title of the smallest known infectious agents.

NISHANTH · Answer

They consist of circular, single-stranded RNA.

NISHANTH · Answer

They lack a protein coat.

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Their RNA codes for proteins."

NISHANTH · Answer

They are smaller than viruses.

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