Which statement about TMV symptoms is true?

Which statement about TMV symptoms is true?

• A. It infects humans rarely
• B. It is spread by seeds
• C. It causes mosaic patterns on leaves that reduce growth
• D. It causes human fever

Answer: (C)

TMV is a plant virus, and the most recognizable symptom it causes is mosaic or mottling on leaves—patches of lighter and darker tissue resulting from disrupted chlorophyll distribution. This interference with photosynthesis slows the plant’s growth, so the mosaic leaves are associated with reduced growth. The idea that it infects humans (causing fever) isn’t accurate, since TMV does not infect people. Transmission by seeds relates to how the virus spreads, not to the visible symptoms, so it doesn’t define the symptom profile. Therefore, the statement describing mosaic leaf patterns that reduce growth best captures TMV symptoms.

TMV is a plant virus, and the most recognizable symptom it causes is mosaic or mottling on leaves—patches of lighter and darker tissue resulting from disrupted chlorophyll distribution. This interference with photosynthesis slows the plant’s growth, so the mosaic leaves are associated with reduced growth. The idea that it infects humans (causing fever) isn’t accurate, since TMV does not infect people. Transmission by seeds relates to how the virus spreads, not to the visible symptoms, so it doesn’t define the symptom profile. Therefore, the statement describing mosaic leaf patterns that reduce growth best captures TMV symptoms.