A researcher lyses a cell that contains nucleic acid molecules and capsomeres of tobacco mosaic virus TMV). The cell contents are left in a covered test tube overnight. The next day, this mixture is sprayed on tobacco plants. We expect that the plants would
A) not show any disease symptoms.
B) develop symptoms typically produced by viroids.
C) develop some but not all of the symptoms of the TMV infection.
D) develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection.
E) become infected, but the sap from these plants would be unable to infect other plants.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cell contents likely contain intact TMV particles with their nucleic acid molecules and capsomeres, which can rapidly infect the tobacco plants upon spraying. Overnight incubation would also allow for the virus to multiply, increasing the number of infective particles. Therefore, the plants would develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection.

A Researcher Lyses a Cell That Contains Nucleic Acid Molecules