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Difficulty: EasyViruses: Structure and Characteristics

A single viral particle contains both DNA and RNA simultaneously within its protective capsid.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False. A virus contains either DNA or RNA as its genetic material, never both concurrently within the same viral particle.
The statement is false because one of the fundamental structural rules of virology is that a virus possesses either DNA or RNA as its genetic material, never both simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the genetic composition of viruses.
Viruses possess a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat (capsid).
Understanding the fundamental biochemical architecture of viruses is required to evaluate their structural characteristics.
2
Evaluate the nucleic acid rule for viral genomes.
Unlike cellular organisms (which contain both DNA and RNA), a specific virus particle contains exclusively DNA or RNA.
This is a key taxonomic feature distinguishing viruses from cellular life forms such as bacteria, plants, and animals.

Key Concept

Viral Nucleic Acid Composition
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Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

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