Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

1. Which is a likely reason for viruses to have developed? d. to prevent exchang

ID: 168758 • Letter: 1

Question

1. Which is a likely reason for viruses to have developed?

d. to prevent exchange of genetic information between cells

2. Explain why viroids can only infect and damage plant cells, but not animal cells.

a. to increase genetic diversity in cells b. to kill cell populations that have gotten too large c. to decrease genetic diversity in cells

d. to prevent exchange of genetic information between cells

2. Explain why viroids can only infect and damage plant cells, but not animal cells.

a. Animal cells contain RNA polymerase that can copy RNA and plant cells do not. b. Plant cells contain a RNA polymerase that can copy RNA can animal cells do not. c. Although both types of cells contain RNA, viroids recognize a specific receptor on the surface of plant cells. d. The genome of plant cells is made of RNA while animal cells have a DNA genome.

Explanation / Answer

1. To increase genetic diversity in cells. Certain hypothesis state that virus arose from bits of host DNA or RNA fragments which later led independent existence, but needed host macinery for thier replication. The virus, during lysogenic replication cycles, can carry host genomes between the cells that they infect.

2. b. Plant cells contain a RNA polymerase that can copy RNA can animal cells do not.