Which of the following statements is false ?

Options

A. TMV has a double - stranded RNA molecule.
B. Most plant viruses are RNA viruses.
C. The bacteriophage has a double - stranded DNA molecule.
D. Most animal viruses lack ssDNA and can have dsDNA as their genetic material.

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze each of the provided statements regarding viruses and identify which one is false.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the First Statement**: The first statement claims that "TMV has a double-stranded RNA molecule."
- TMV stands for Tobacco Mosaic Virus, which is known to have positive-sense single-stranded RNA as its genetic material, not double-stranded RNA.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is false.

2. **Identify the Second Statement**: The second statement discusses the genetic material of viruses, stating that it can be DNA or RNA and is surrounded by a protein coat called the capsid.
- This is true as viruses can indeed have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, and they are encapsulated by a protein coat (capsid).
- **Conclusion**: This statement is true.

3. **Identify the Third Statement**: The third statement mentions bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria and typically have double-stranded DNA as their genetic material.
- This is accurate; most bacteriophages do have double-stranded DNA.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is true.

4. **Identify the Fourth Statement**: The fourth statement refers to animal viruses, stating that most lack single-stranded DNA and can have double-stranded DNA as genetic material.
- This is also correct; many animal viruses have double-stranded DNA, and single-stranded DNA is less common among them.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is true.

### Final Answer:
The false statement among the options provided is the **first statement**: "TMV has a double-stranded RNA molecule."