Question

Which statement is true of viroids?

a. They are single-stranded RNA particles.

b. They reproduce only outside of the cell.

c. They produce proteins.

d. They affect both plants and animals.

Short answer

Viroids are single-stranded RNA particles.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Viroids are single-stranded tiny circular RNA (ribonucleic acid) particles without a protein capsid because they are incapable of producing proteins. They can only make one RNA at a time. They also don't come with an outer envelope.

Explanation for correct answer

Viroids are single-stranded tiny circular RNA (ribonucleic acid) particles without a protein capsid that can infect plants and cause a variety of plant illnesses.

Explanation for incorrect answer

Viruses are intracellular obligatory parasites that do not live outside of their host and only live inside it.

Viroids, like viruses, can only replicate inside a living host. They are unable to reproduce in the wild.

Viroids are plant pathogens that can infect a variety of crops, including tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, and coconut trees. They are unable to infect mammals.