Before You Begin
Question #47492
The Question
Viroids are infectious, low molecular weight, naked RNA molecules. During their replication inside a eukaryotic host, they produce multimeric RNA transcripts that must be cleaved into unit-length circular genomes. Which of the following accurately distinguishes this viroid RNA cleavage from the post-transcriptional processing of the host's heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA)?
Options
- A.
Viroid RNA cleavage is mediated by the host's snRNPs, whereas hnRNA processing relies on the host's RNA polymerase II.
- B.
Viroid RNA undergoes autocatalytic cleavage via its own intrinsic ribozyme activity, whereas host hnRNA is cleaved and ligated by the spliceosomal complex.
- C.
Both viroid RNA and host hnRNA rely entirely on the host's spliceosome for the removal of non-coding repetitive sequences.
- D.
Viroid RNA is cleaved by host-derived trans-acting ribozymes, whereas host hnRNA undergoes autocatalytic self-splicing without protein assistance.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Sulfur-35|Phosphorus-32|Obligate_Intracellular_Parasitism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate all RNA-based catalytic cleavage in eukaryotes with the spliceosome machinery.
The trap lies in failing to distinguish between the intrinsic, autocatalytic ribozyme activity of a viroid (self-sufficiency in cleavage) and the complex-dependent (snRNP-mediated) splicing of host primary transcripts (hnRNA).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Viroid vs Virus Distinction |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |