Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Viroids

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Viroids

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Multiple Choice

Viroids characteristically are composed of:

ssRNA.

dsRNA.

ssDNA.

dsDNA.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the nature of viroids: Viroids are infectious agents that are simpler than viruses and consist solely of a short strand of circular, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) without a protein coat.

Recognize the structural characteristics: Viroids do not encode proteins and rely on host cell machinery for replication. Their RNA is highly structured and can form secondary structures such as hairpins.

Differentiate between RNA and DNA: RNA (ribonucleic acid) is typically single-stranded and contains ribose sugar, whereas DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is usually double-stranded and contains deoxyribose sugar.

Identify the correct nucleic acid type: Since viroids are composed of single-stranded RNA, the correct answer is ssRNA.

Review the options provided: Compare the characteristics of ssRNA with the other options (dsRNA, ssDNA, dsDNA) to confirm that ssRNA is the correct choice for viroids.