Which of the following statements is wrong for viroids?
- They cause infections.
- Their RNA is of high molecular weight.
- They lack a protein coat.
- They are smaller than viruses.
Answer
(2) Their RNA is of high molecular weight.
Solution
As per NCERT, a viroid (discovered by T.O. Diener, 1971) is an infectious agent smaller than viruses that causes potato spindle tuber disease.
⇒ It is a free RNA lacking the protein coat, and this RNA is of low molecular weight.
∴ "Their RNA is of high molecular weight" is wrong.
Answer: (2)