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. What would you expect to happen to the plants that were sprayed with the mixture?
A) The plants would develop some but not all of the symptoms of the TMV infection.
B) The plants would develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection.
C) The plants would not show any disease symptoms.
D) The plants would become infected, but extracts from these plants would be unable to infect other plants.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the cell contents of nucleic acid molecules and capsomeres of TMV are left overnight and then sprayed on tobacco plants, the plants would develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection. This is because TMV capsomeres protect the viral RNA molecule and promote entry into a new host cell, leading to infection.

A Researcher Lyses a Cell That Contains Nucleic Acid Molecules