Tobacco mosaic disease

Definition

Tobacco mosaic disease is a viral infection that affects plants, particularly tobacco and other members of the Solanaceae family. The disease is caused by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), which leads to distinctive mosaic-like patterns on the leaves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The causative agent of tobacco mosaic disease is Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
2. TMV was the first virus ever to be discovered, identified by Dmitri Ivanovsky in 1892 and Martinus Beijerinck in 1898.
3. The virus consists of a single-stranded RNA genome encapsulated in a protein coat.
4. Infected plants exhibit characteristic symptoms such as mottling, discoloration, and leaf distortion.
5. TMV spreads through direct contact with infected plants or contaminated tools and surfaces.

Review Questions

• What type of nucleic acid does Tobacco mosaic virus contain?
• Name two characteristic symptoms of tobacco mosaic disease.
• How is TMV primarily transmitted between plants?

Related terms

Virion:

A complete virus particle that consists of an RNA or DNA core with a protein coat.

Capsid:

The protein shell that encloses the viral genome.

Host Range: The spectrum of host cells that a virus can infect.