Multiple Choice
Which organism acts as the vector for the transmission of sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis)?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between a virus and a viroid?
A
A virus can replicate independently in the environment, while a viroid requires a host cell for replication.
B
A virus infects only plants, while a viroid infects only animals.
C
A virus contains a protein coat and genetic material, while a viroid consists only of a short strand of circular RNA without a protein coat.
D
A virus is composed solely of proteins, while a viroid is composed solely of DNA.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the basic definitions of viruses and viroids. A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that contains genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope.
Step 2: Recognize that viroids are much simpler infectious agents compared to viruses. Viroids consist solely of a short strand of circular RNA without any protein coat or capsid.
Step 3: Compare the structural components of viruses and viroids. Viruses have both genetic material and a protective protein coat, whereas viroids lack a protein coat and contain only RNA.
Step 4: Consider the host range and replication requirements. Both viruses and viroids require host cells to replicate; neither can replicate independently in the environment.
Step 5: Evaluate the given options based on these characteristics to identify the correct description of the difference between a virus and a viroid.
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