The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding viroids?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Characteristics of viroids
	**Related Topics**: Virology, Plant pathogens, Molecular biology
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of viroids and viruses
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
		- Viroids are known to be the smallest infectious agents.
		- They consist solely of RNA without a protein coat.
		- Viruses typically have a protein coat (capsid) and can contain either DNA or RNA.
**Method & Steps**:
	1.	Identify the basic structure of viroids.
		Reasoning: Viroids are composed only of nucleic acids.
		Formula/Rule: Viroids = RNA (no protein)
	2.	Contrast viroids with viruses.
		Working: Viruses have a protein coat, while viroids do not.
		Key Point: This distinction is critical for understanding viroid biology.
	3.	Determine which statement is incorrect.
		Result: Option D states that viroids contain a protein coat, which is false.
		Verification: All other statements correctly describe viroids.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: Viroids are indeed smaller than viruses, making this statement correct.
[B] ✓: Viroids are infectious RNA molecules, which is also correct.
[C] ✓: The absence of a protein coat is a defining characteristic of viroids, hence this statement is correct.
[D] :x: This statement is incorrect because viroids do not contain a protein coat.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing viroids with viruses: Remember that viroids lack a protein coat.
		2. Misunderstanding the size comparison: Always check the definitions to clarify.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Recall that viroids are solely RNA structures - no proteins involved.
		2. Remember the term 'plant pathogens' to link viroids to their biological role.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They are smaller than viruses.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They are infectious RNA molecules.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They lack a protein coat.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "They contain a protein coat."

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