An infectious agent remains infectious after treatment with an enzyme that destroys DNA.What might the infectious agent be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enzymes that destroy DNA would not affect bacteria or archaeal cells because they typically have other mechanisms for replicating their genetic material. Eukaryotes have a nucleus that protects their DNA, so an enzyme that destroys DNA would not be able to penetrate the nucleus. Viruses, however, rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material, so they could potentially remain infectious even if their own DNA is destroyed.

An Infectious Agent Remains Infectious After Treatment with an Enzyme