Question

identify all correct statements about how viroids differ from viruses. select all that apply. identify all correct statements about how viroids differ from viruses.select all that apply. unlike viruses, viroids cause plant disease. unlike viruses, the genetic material of a viroid is protein. unlike viruses, viroids do not encode proteins.

Answer 1

Viroids are made only of single-stranded RNA and do not encode proteins, differentiating them from viruses that have genetic material wrapped in a protein coat and can produce proteins. To identify viroid infection in a plant, one would analyze the genetic material to identify unique viroid RNA sequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Viroids differ from viruses in several fundamental ways. Unlike viruses, viroids are composed of small, single-stranded, circular RNA particles and do not have a protein coat. Viroids cause disease solely in plants, for instance, the potato tuber spindle disease. Furthermore, viroids do not encode for proteins, meaning they do not have the genetic information to manufacture proteins, which is unlike viruses that can encode and produce proteins.

A key difference to note is that viroids do not have any protein component; they consist entirely of RNA. This distinction is crucial as it affects their method of infection and disease causing capability. In order to confirm if a diseased plant, such as a tomato plant, is affected by a viroid rather than a virus, a botanist would typically analyze the genetic material of the pathogen. This would involve sequencing the RNA present in the infected plant cells and looking for the unique sequences associated with known viroids. The absence of associated proteins would further confirm the presence of a viroid.

Answer 2

The only correct statement is:

1. Unlike viruses, viroids do not encode proteins.

Here are the correct statements about how viroids differ from viruses:

**1. Unlike viruses, viroids do not encode proteins.** This is a key difference. Viruses typically contain DNA or RNA that encodes proteins, which then perform various functions within the host cell. Viroids, however, are simply strands of free RNA molecules without any protein coding sequences.

**2. Unlike viruses, the genetic material of a viroid is RNA.** While this statement is partially true, it's important to note that both viruses and viroids can have their genetic material as RNA. The key difference lies in the complexity and function of the RNA. Viral RNA often encodes proteins, while viroid RNA does not.

**3. Unlike viruses, viroids cause plant disease.** This statement is incorrect. Both viruses and viroids can cause disease in various organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. While most viroids infect plants, some viruses also target plant hosts.

Therefore, the only correct statement is:

1. Unlike viruses, viroids do not encode proteins.

Remember, both viruses and viroids can have RNA as their genetic material, and both can cause diseases across various organisms. The key difference lies in the complexity and function of their RNA: viruses encode proteins, while viroids do not.