Question

multiple choice question
an infectious agent consisting of nucleic acid enclosed in a protein shell is called a ______.

viroid
prion
satellite
bacteria

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Viroid: Consists of only RNA, no protein shell. Eliminate.
• Prion: Made of misfolded proteins, no nucleic acid. Eliminate.
• Satellite: Requires a helper virus, has nucleic acid in a protein shell (matches the description).
• Bacteria: Are prokaryotic cells, not just nucleic acid in a protein shell. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. satellite (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A - D with A: viroid, B: prion, C: satellite, D: bacteria)