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 are DNA viruses

Answer

To determine which statement is false among the given options, we can analyze each statement one by one:

1. **Statement A**: TMV has a double-stranded RNA molecule.
- **Analysis**: TMV stands for Tobacco Mosaic Virus. It is known to be a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, not a double-stranded RNA virus. Therefore, this statement is **false**.

2. **Statement B**: Most plant viruses are RNA viruses.
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. The majority of viruses that infect plants are indeed RNA viruses.

3. **Statement C**: The bacteriophage has a double-stranded DNA molecule.
- **Analysis**: This statement is also true. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, typically contain double-stranded DNA.

4. **Statement D**: Most animal viruses are DNA viruses.
- **Analysis**: This statement is true as well. While there are many RNA viruses that infect animals, a significant number of animal viruses are indeed DNA viruses.

**Conclusion**: The false statement is **Statement A**, which incorrectly states that TMV has a double-stranded RNA molecule.