Brome mosaic virus

Definition

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that infects various plant species, particularly grasses and cereal crops. It is a member of the Bromoviridae family and is known for its ability to replicate and spread efficiently within its host plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brome mosaic virus is known to infect a wide range of plant species, including grasses, cereals, and various dicots.
2. The virus is transmitted by mechanical means, such as through contact with infected plant material or by insect vectors.
3. Infection by Brome mosaic virus can result in the development of mosaic patterns, chlorosis, and other symptoms in the affected plants.
4. The viral genome of Brome mosaic virus consists of three positive-sense, single-stranded RNA segments, which are essential for its replication and infection cycle.
5. Brome mosaic virus utilizes the host cell's machinery to replicate its genetic material and assemble new viral particles, ultimately leading to the production of progeny viruses.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of the Brome mosaic virus that allow it to efficiently replicate and spread within its host plants.
  • The Brome mosaic virus is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Bromoviridae family. Its positive-sense RNA genome allows it to be directly translated by the host cell's ribosomes, facilitating efficient replication. Additionally, the virus has a segmented genome, with three RNA segments that are essential for its replication and infection cycle. This genomic organization, along with its ability to utilize the host cell's machinery, enables the Brome mosaic virus to replicate and produce progeny viruses within its plant hosts, allowing for effective spread and infection.
• Explain the role of viral transmission in the life cycle of the Brome mosaic virus and how it contributes to the virus's ability to infect a wide range of plant species.
  • The Brome mosaic virus is primarily transmitted through mechanical means, such as contact with infected plant material or by insect vectors. This mode of transmission allows the virus to spread efficiently between plants, even across different species. The ability to infect a wide range of plant hosts, including grasses, cereals, and various dicots, further enhances the virus's adaptability and successful propagation. The versatility in host range, coupled with the effective transmission mechanisms, are key factors that contribute to the Brome mosaic virus's ability to effectively replicate and disseminate within its host plants.
• Analyze the potential impact of Brome mosaic virus infections on agricultural systems and discuss strategies for managing and mitigating the spread of this virus.
  • Brome mosaic virus infections can have significant consequences for agricultural systems, as the virus is known to infect important crop plants such as cereals and grasses. The development of mosaic patterns, chlorosis, and other symptoms in infected plants can lead to reduced yields and crop losses, posing a threat to food security and agricultural productivity. To manage and mitigate the spread of Brome mosaic virus, strategies may include the use of resistant crop varieties, implementing strict sanitation practices to prevent mechanical transmission, and the development of effective control measures targeting the insect vectors responsible for virus transmission. Additionally, ongoing research and surveillance efforts focused on understanding the virus's biology and epidemiology can help inform the design of comprehensive management approaches to minimize the impact of Brome mosaic virus on agricultural systems.

Related terms

Positive-sense RNA virus: A type of virus whose genetic material is single-stranded RNA, with the same polarity (sense) as the host cell's messenger RNA, allowing it to be directly translated by the host's ribosomes.

Bromoviridae: A family of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily infect plants, including the Brome mosaic virus.

Viral replication: The process by which a virus makes copies of its genetic material and assembles new viral particles within the host cell.