A microbiologist obtained two pure isolated biological samples: one of a virus, and one of a viroid. The labels came off during a move from one lab to the next, however. The scientist felt she could distinguish between the two samples by analyzing for the presence of a single type of molecule. What type of molecule would she be looking for to differentiate between the two?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Viroids consist solely of a short strand of circular RNA without a protein coat, whereas viruses have a protein coat surrounding their nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA). Therefore, the presence of protein would indicate a virus, not a viroid.

A Microbiologist Obtained Two Pure Isolated Biological Samples: One of a Virus