Final answer:
The base composition differences between bacteriophage T2 and polio virus can largely be attributed to the type of genetic material they possess, with T2 having DNA and polio having RNA. Evolutionary factors and environmental influences also play a role in shaping their genomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the reasons behind the difference in base composition of bacteriophage T2 and the polio virus. Statement c from the provided options, which says 'DNA is the genetic material in all viruses,' is not accurate as some viruses, such as poliovirus, contain RNA as their genetic material. Whereas a bacteriophage like T2 has DNA. This fundamental difference in genetic material accounts for variation in their base composition. Statement d 'Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell' is indeed true and relates to the mechanism of virus-host interaction.
Evolutionary factors may also contribute to the differences in their genetic composition due to the distinct evolutionary pathways and host interactions experienced by bacteriophages and animal viruses like the polio virus. The environment within a bacterial host is different from that within an animal host cell, contributing to environmental influences on viral genome composition through evolutionary adaptation.