Q. 28 - Biology

Question

Although plant viruses cannot infect humans, what are some of the ways in which they affect humans? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Plant viruses infect crops, resulting in crop failure and significant economic losses.

Introduction

Plant viruses lack active mechanisms for delivering their genome across the cell wall's protective barrier. Some type of mechanical damage is required for a plant virus to enter a new host plant. Weather, insects, animals, fire, and human activities such as farming and landscaping are all known to cause damage.

Explanation

Plant viruses can wreak havoc on crop growth and development, posing a serious threat to our food supply. They are to blame for poor crop quality and quantity around the world, as well as annual economic losses. Other viruses have the potential to harm landscaping plants. Tomato spotted wilt virus, bean common mosaic virus, and cucumber mosaic virus are examples of viruses that infect agricultural food plants and include the name of the plant they infect. Peony ring spot and rose mosaic virus are two of the most common viruses found in landscaping plants.

Final Answer

Plant viruses infect crops, resulting in crop failure and significant economic losses. A bacteriophage with a lytic life cycle acquires a mutation that allows it to undergo the lysogenic cycle as well.