AIIMS 2019 Botany Viruses MCQ Question

Explanation

🟢 Correct Answer: Virus

The diagram shows rod-shaped particles characteristic of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV). TMV is a virus with a rigid, rod-shaped helical structure made of RNA surrounded by a protein coat (capsid).

Why other options are wrong

🔴 A. Bacteria — Bacteria are cellular organisms and do not have the characteristic helical rod-shaped structure shown here.

🔴 B. Fungus — Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with structures such as hyphae and mycelium, not viral particles.

🟢 C. Virus — Correct. TMV is a classic rod-shaped virus.

🔴 D. Protozoan — Protozoans are unicellular eukaryotes and are not represented by these rod-shaped viral particles.

⚡ Quick Revision

• TMV → Rod-shaped virus

• Genetic material → RNA

• TMV structure → Helical protein coat + RNA

• NEET Trick: TMV = Tobacco Mosaic Virus = RNA + rod-shaped