Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Viral nucleic acids include which of the following types?
A
RNA only
B
DNA only
C
Neither DNA nor RNA
D
Both DNA and RNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that viruses can have different types of genetic material. Unlike living organisms that typically have DNA as their genetic material, viruses can have either DNA or RNA.
Recognize that viral nucleic acids can be single-stranded or double-stranded, and they can be either DNA or RNA. This diversity allows viruses to infect a wide range of hosts and adapt to various environments.
Consider examples of viruses with different types of nucleic acids: for instance, the influenza virus has RNA as its genetic material, while the herpes virus has DNA.
Acknowledge that the presence of both DNA and RNA in viruses is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other organisms, which typically have only DNA as their genetic material.
Conclude that the correct answer to the question is that viral nucleic acids include both DNA and RNA, reflecting the diversity of viral genetic material.