Since viruses have no active methods of entering plant cells,they must rely upon mechanically caused wounds,vegetative propagation of plants,grafting,seed,pollen,and being carried on the mouth parts of chewing insects.Tobacco mosaic virus is most commonly introduced into plants through small wounds caused by handling and by insects chewing on plant parts.What would prevent most viruses from easily entering plant cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cell wall on the plant prevents most viruses from easily entering plant cells. The cell wall provides a physical barrier that protects the plasma membrane and the interior of the cell from external pathogens. The plasma membrane on the plant and virus, as well as the protein coat on the virus, may play a role in the entry process, but the cell wall is the main obstacle for virus entry.

Since Viruses Have No Active Methods of Entering Plant Cells,they