The correct answer is option 3: single stranded RNA. AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus, which means it has a single stranded RNA genome instead of DNA.

Retroviruses like HIV have RNA as their genetic material and use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA once inside a host cell. This process is known as reverse transcription. The newly created DNA then integrates into the host`s genome and is then transcribed and translated by the host cell`s machinery to produce new viral particles.

The single stranded RNA of HIV contains important genetic information that allows the virus to replicate and hijack the host cell`s machinery. This ultimately leads to the destruction of the immune system, making the individual more susceptible to infections and diseases associated with AIDS.

It`s important to note that while options 1 and 2 mention DNA, and option 4 mentions double stranded RNA, none of these are correct. The genetic material of HIV is single stranded RNA.