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🔬 Biology  ·  Biological Classification  ·  NEET

The genetic material of a virus can be:

Answer: DNA or RNA.

  • A DNA or RNA
  • B only DNA
  • C only RNA
  • D a protein

Correct answer: A. DNA or RNA

Explanation: A given virus contains either DNA or RNA (never both) as its genetic material.

Whittaker's Five KingdomsMoneraprokaryotesProtistaunicell. eukaryotesFungichitin wallPlantaecellulose wallAnimaliano wallNOT in any kingdom: Viruses (non-cellular), Viroids (RNA, no coat), Lichens (alga+fungus symbiosis)Classification criteria: cell structure, nutrition mode, body organisation, reproduction, phylogeny

Whittaker's five-kingdom system (1969) groups all cellular life by cell structure and nutrition; viruses, viroids, and lichens fall outside this system entirely since they aren't independently classifiable as one of the five.

Concept context

Whittaker's five kingdom system covering Monera, Protista, Fungi, plus viruses, viroids, and lichens. A foundational NEET chapter on how living organisms are grouped.

Read the full Biological Classification notes →