Answer: Either DNA or RNA, never both.
- A Only DNA
- B Only RNA
- C Either DNA or RNA, never both
- D Both DNA and RNA together
Correct answer: C. Either DNA or RNA, never both
Explanation: Viruses contain either DNA or RNA as genetic material, never both together, enclosed in a protein coat called the capsid.
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.