In viruses, the nucleic acid is

Options

A. DNA
B. RNA
C. Both A or B
D. Either A or B .

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Viruses**: Viruses are classified as obligate parasites, meaning they require a host cell to replicate and survive. They are not considered living organisms outside of a host.

2. **Structure of Viruses**: A typical virus consists of three main components:
- **Viral Envelope**: A lipid layer that surrounds some viruses, derived from the host cell membrane.
- **Capsid**: A protein coat that encases the viral genetic material.
- **Genome**: The nucleic acid that carries the genetic information of the virus.

3. **Nucleic Acid Types**: The nucleic acid in viruses can be either:
- **DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)**: Found in DNA viruses (deoxyriboviruses).
- **RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)**: Found in RNA viruses (riboviruses).

4. **Conclusion**: Viruses can contain either DNA or RNA, but not both simultaneously. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "either A or B."

**Final Answer**: The nucleic acid in viruses is either DNA or RNA.

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