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 a(n)__________.

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The infectious agent described, consisting of a small circular RNA molecule without a protein coat, is a viroid. Viroids can cause disease in plants by interfering with gene expression. Provirus refers to a virus that has integrated its DNA into the host cell's genome, bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria, and virunette and eviscerion are not known medical terms.

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