Table of Contents
Viroids
Iodines are very small infectious viruses (potentially disease-causing agents) made up of short RNA without a coat of protein. These germs only affect plants and are therefore known as plant germs. RNA molecules in a single row, viroid, vary in length from 246 to 463 nucleotide and are found only in plants. To date, 30 viroids have been identified, 28 infect dicotyledonous plants (double seeds), and another 2 infect monocotyledonous plants (single seeds). In this section, we will study the definition of viroid and learn more about the structure of viroid.
One can call these pathogens subviral agents. Diseases caused by some of these viroids or viruses are very important in agriculture. Viroids do not include protein; however, they do not replicate independently when introduced to host plants. Thirty viruses were detected in earlier tests. Fig.1. The Potato spindle tuber viroid discovered in 1971 is an example.
Structure of Viroids
Viroids are an independent class of plant viruses. Two rounds of rolling Viroids were discovered in 1971 by TO Diener. It was obtained after a major loss in the potato industry after testing the tuber spindle potato Viroid.
The structure and condition of Viroids is different from that of viruses. Viroids consist of short circular RNA fibers with a single fiber without protein coatings. The most commonly affected plants are Viroids with potatoes, tomatoes, coconut palms, avocados, etc.
Crops infested by Viroids are the cause of crop failure which is causing huge losses in the agricultural industry. The agricultural industry also loses a lot of money every year due to these plant infections.
Compared with other viruses in infectious plants, Viroids are much smaller in size and therefore contain only ten thousand atoms. Viroids cause mechanical damage to the wall of plant cells by infecting the epidermis.
Virus
A non-cellular, infectious agent that has a microscopic structure and can live up to the host cell is called a virus. Due to this parasitic condition and the combined properties of both living and non-living things, they cannot be classified as living or inanimate.
Due to the lack of cellular resources, the virus cannot replicate itself without a host cell. To survive, it invades the host body and attaches itself to a cell, then injects the genes, reproduces them, and eventually, the host cell divides to release new germs.
In simple terms, a virus is a non-cellular, infectious organism that invades genes and proteins that invade and reproduce through bacteria within living organisms, plants, and animals.
Structure of Virus
The structure of the virus varies depending on the animal in which it lives. The virus particles are covered with a protective protein coat called capsid as the virus contains DNA or RNA. The shape of the capsid changes depending on the type of virus. Proteins found in viral genes within the genome form a viral capsid. Some bacteria are covered with both phospholipids and proteins, this envelope is made using part of the host cell membrane. This envelope closes the capsid and protects the viral membrane from the host’s immune system and contains receptor molecules that interact with the host cells. This structure makes it easier for the virus to rely on the immune system to survive.
For example, below are the Cytomegalovirus statistics:
Cytomegalovirus contains a capsid that blocks the virus genes. This contains an envelope around a capsid composed of phospholipids and proteins. This envelope is a special feature of this viral structure as not all viruses have a capsule that protects the capsid.
- Viroids & Infections
Viroids are considered to be the smallest and simplest viral virus. Despite the small size (~ 250–400 nucleotide) and the non-coding nature of the RNA genome, viroids are able to replicate, cell-to-cell proliferation and proliferation, and to develop disease signals on hosted plants.
Bacteria and viruses that do not cause symptoms in their original plant are described as “hidden”, “hidden” or “asymptomatic” and represent 6% and 2% of plant viruses separated from viroids, respectively. In addition, the pararetroviruses of the plants in which they live in their genome often fall asleep and are therefore invisible. Improved sequencing and diagnostic techniques have shown that viral sequences are ubiquitous in the biosphere even if no signs or symptoms of infection are visible. Fittingly, the number of hidden germs listed today does not indicate the actual number of hidden germs present in plants. Biodiversity within the virosphere includes virus-host, virus-vector, virus-virus, and virus-viroid interactions. Invasion of new host plants, climate change, and changes in plant production and distribution can have a profound effect on the emergence of hidden viral symptoms that appear to be ineffective but remain invincible. Here we describe selected ornaments how these mutations can create subtle bacteria and report on potential biochemical chemical processes. Comparison of virus latency in plant and animal owners suggests that epigenetic mutations are an important control factor in both systems.
Also read: Important Topic Of Biology: Lichens
FAQs
What is the structure of the virus?
The virus contains genes that are in the form of DNA or RNA which is why it contains a protective protein called a capsid. The virus sometimes absorbs phospholipids and proteins from the host cell membrane to form a strong capsule around the capsid that protects the viral cell against the immune system. It contains receptor molecules that bind to the host cell. Capsid changes the structure of a virus and the virus itself has different properties depending on the animal that we associate with to survive.
Q. How are the names of germs named and how are they distinguished?
Ans: Viruses are named on the basis of their genetic makeup to aid in the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines, and medications. Veterinarians and the wider scientific community do this work, so viruses are named after the International Committee on Taxonomy of Virus (ICTV).
Three factors affect genetic variation: morphology, chemical composition, and the process of replication. The virus changes its structure based on the host that attaches itself to it as it likes – plants, fungi, bacteria, humans, protozoa, and vertebrae.
Q. How can we protect ourselves from bacterial infections?
Ans: There are simple steps like the following that can protect you from becoming a victim of a viral infection –
- Wash your hands often to keep them clean from germs.
- Use disposable tissues to stop coughing and sneezing.
- Keep your home clean.
- Stay home and rest if you feel sick.
- Eat healthily and drink warm water regularly.
- Keep calm so that you do not feel tired.
