Please explain the highlighted portion

Dear student,

The highlighted lines means - 

DNA is the universal genetic material. But, RNA also acts as genetic material in case of Viruses.
 
Viruses contain either DNA or RNA as genetic viruses. In most of the viruses, the RNA or DNA is present within a stable coat or capsid. This prevents their degradation outside the cell. RNA virus are less stable, so they have high mutation rate. This helps them to adapt the changing environment quickly and form new variants. 

Regards  

  • 0
What are you looking for?