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) develop some but not all of the symptoms of the TMV infection
B) develop symptoms typically produced by viroids
C) develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection
D) not show any disease symptoms
E) become infected, but the sap from these plants would be unable to infect other plants

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cell contents contain both nucleic acid molecules and capsomeres of TMV, which are the two components necessary for the virus to infect plants. By spraying this mixture on tobacco plants, the virus can infect the plant, replicate, and cause the typical symptoms of TMV infection. Therefore, we expect the plants to develop the typical symptoms of TMV infection.

A Researcher Lyses a Cell That Contains Nucleic Acid Molecules