Question 6 Not yet answered Points out of 1.00 Flag question Viroids: Select one: a. are infectious pieces of RNA. b. have a plasma membrane. c. are infectious chains of amino acids. d. are infectious pieces of DNA enclosed in a protein coat. e. attack bacteria.

Viroids are fascinating little entities that challenge our understanding of what constitutes a living organism. These infectious agents consist solely of a short strand of circular RNA without any protein coat, making them distinctly different from viruses. They primarily infect plants and can disrupt normal cellular processes, often leading to significant agricultural damage. In the scientific realm, viroids have intrigued researchers since their discovery because they show that even without the complexity of proteins, RNA alone can cause disease. This has led to a deeper exploration of RNA's potential roles in both health and disease, pushing the boundaries of genetic research and opening up new possibilities in biotechnology and agriculture.