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Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a rod-shaped virus with a helical single-stranded RNA core surrounded by a protein shell called the capsid. The capsid, made up of smaller units called capsomeres, has antigenic properties. Which statement about viruses is accurate?

1. All viruses are composed of nucleoproteins, which consist of nucleic acid and protein. The nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) serves as the genetic material.
2. Viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, but never both simultaneously.
3. Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) contains single-stranded RNA as its genetic material.
4. The capsid, which acts as the virus envelope, is made up of protein subunits known as capsomeres.

Correct answer: Viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, but never both simultaneously.

Solution

Option B is correct because viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, but never both simultaneously. This is a fundamental characteristic of viruses. The other options either generalize incorrectly or describe specific features of TMV.

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