Final answer:
A) found only in viruses A double-stranded RNA genome is typically found only in viruses and is uncommon in eukaryotic cells, serving as an indicator of viral infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the type of genomic material found in viruses and cells. Specifically, it asks whether a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome is found only in viruses, in both cells and viruses, or only in cells. Viral genomes can vary extensively and may consist of RNA or DNA which can be either double-stranded or single-stranded. In the case of dsRNA, it is often associated with viruses. Examples of viruses with a dsRNA genome include Rotaviruses, which can cause severe gastroenteritis. Double-stranded RNA is generally uncommon in eukaryotic cells, and its presence often serves as an indicator of viral infection. As such, the answer to the question would be (A) found only in viruses, since double-stranded RNA is not a typical component of cellular genomes.
A double-stranded RNA genome can be found in both cells and viruses. While RNA is typically single-stranded within cells, there are viruses that have double-stranded RNA genomes, such as rotaviruses. These viruses are an example of Group III viruses, which use dsRNA as their genome. The presence of double-stranded RNA in eukaryotic cells serves as an indicator of viral infection.