Question

Most molecular biologists think that viruses originated from fragments of cellular nucleic acid. Which of the following observations supports this theory?

A) Viruses contain either DNA or RNA.
B) Viruses are enclosed in protein capsids rather than plasma membranes.
C) Viruses can reproduce only inside host cells.
D) Viruses can infect both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
E) Viral genomes are usually more similar to the genome of the host cell than to the genomes of viruses that infect other cell types.

Answer 1

Option (E).

Step-by-step explanation:

Virus is the organism that lies between the border of the living and non living organisms. Viruses can be harmful for the living organisms and some viruses are used in the biotechnology as well.

The viral genomes is made of nucleic acids as it can be either DNA or RNA or both. This can be best illustrated as all the living organisms has nucleic acid as their genetic material. The genome of the virus has the similar properties with the host cells that are infected by the virus.

Thus, the correct answer is option (E).

Answer 2

Option A, Viruses contain either DNA or RNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Virus is a non-living microscopic molecule that requires a host to live in and reproduce. All the viruses have nucleic acid either in the form of DNA or RNA. DNA or RNA is genetic material that is enclosed with in a membrane known as capsid. Capsid is also made up of protein. They are extremely small, even smaller than a normal cell and only consist of package of nucleic acid and protein.

Hence, option A is correct