Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — Viroids consist of single-stranded RNA molecule
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedOption (c) is correct: Viroids are sub-viral plant pathogens composed exclusively of short, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without any protein coat. Option (a) is incorrect: Prions are misfolded protein particles without any nucleic acid or cellular structure. Option (b) is incorrect: Mycoplasma species naturally lack a cell wall entirely. Option (d) is incorrect: Rickettsiae are Gram-negative bacteria that do possess a peptidoglycan cell wall.
Viroids differ from viruses because they consist solely of a single-stranded RNA loop lacking a protein capsid.
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