Potato spindle-tuber disease, which causes potatoes to become gnarled and cracked, is caused by an infectious agent consisting of a small circular RNA molecule that totally lacks a protein coat. These infectious agents are thought to exert their effects by interfering with the cell's normal path of gene expression. Such an infectious agent is known as __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The infectious agent described in the passage is a viroid. Viroids are small, circular RNA molecules that do not have a protein coat and are able to interfere with the normal function of plant cells. Options A, B, D, and E are not applicable to this scenario.

Potato Spindle-Tuber Disease, Which Causes Potatoes to Become Gnarled and Cracked