Viroids were discovered by

Options

A. Prusiner
B. Diener
C. Pasteur
D. Felix d' Herelle

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Viroids**: Begin by recognizing what viroids are. They are infectious agents that primarily affect plants. Unlike viruses, viroids do not have a protein coat.

2. **Identifying the Structure of Viroids**: Viroids consist of single-stranded RNA. This is a key characteristic that differentiates them from other infectious agents.

3. **Reviewing the Options**: The question provides several options for the scientist who discovered viroids. These options include:
- A) Prusina
- B) Theodor O. Dener
- C) Louis Pasteur
- D) Felix de Herrelle

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Prusina**: Known for discovering prions, not viroids.
- **Theodor O. Dener**: Credited with the discovery of viroids.
- **Louis Pasteur**: Famous for his work on vaccines and microorganisms, not viroids.
- **Felix de Herrelle**: Recognized for discovering bacteriophages, not viroids.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **B) Theodor O. Dener**, as he is the scientist who discovered viroids.

**Final Answer**: Theodor O. Dener discovered viroids.

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