NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Viroids are smaller than viruses, having free RNA as a genetic material and lack the protein coat that is found in viruses. Viruses, on the other hand, have either DNA or RNA as genetic material and a protein coat called capsid which protects the genetic material.

Detailed explanation-2: -First, viroids are the only infectious agents that lack protein components such as capsids. In general, the role of the viral capsid is the protection of the viral genome from degradation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Viroids are generally known as plant pathogens. They are small, single-stranded, RNA particles. They do not have a capsid or outer envelope of protein making them simpler than virus, but like viruses, can reproduce only within a host cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -Viroids are pathogens that are smaller than viruses. It is a free RNA with a low molecular weight. It lacked the protein coat which is present in viruses and hence was termed viroid.

Detailed explanation-5: -Viroids are single-stranded circular RNA molecules of 240 to 400 nucleotides which are pathogens of certain higher plants and replicate autonomously in the host cell. Virusoids are similar to viroids in respect to size and circularity but replicate only as genomic part of a plant virus.