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Viroids are the simplest known infectious agents, consisting of circular RNA without protein-coding capacity, affecting plant health and agriculture. They replicate uniquely within host cells, influencing our understanding of RNA biology and gene regulation. Studies on viroids like PSTVd and CEVd offer insights into RNA replication and host-pathogen interactions, with significant implications for crop diseases and economic impact.
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Viroids consist of a short strand of circular, single-stranded RNA without any protein-coding capacity
Transcription and Processing
Viroid replication involves transcription by the host's RNA polymerase II and self-cleavage through ribozyme activity
Circularization
The resulting linear RNA molecules are ligated to form new circular viroids
Viroid replication is influenced by host plant species, environmental conditions, and the specific structure and sequence of the viroid RNA
Viroid infections can lead to serious agricultural diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide
Viroid infections can cause stunted growth, reduced yield, and malformed fruits and flowers in plants
Some of the most impactful viroid diseases include Potato spindle tuber disease, Citrus exocortis, Chrysanthemum stunt disease, and Cadang-Cadang disease of coconut palms
Certain viroids, such as PSTVd, CEVd, and PLMVd, have been extensively studied and provide insights into RNA replication, host-pathogen interactions, and RNA silencing
Viroids have furthered our understanding of RNA silencing, a critical process in gene expression, and have potential applications in genetic engineering
Viroids serve as valuable educational subjects in microbiology, offering a simplified system to study fundamental biological processes and contribute to our understanding of molecular biology
00
The ______ world hypothesis posits that ______ molecules were the forerunners to modern life forms that utilize DNA and proteins.
RNA
RNA
01
Viroid replication sites in host cells
Occurs in nucleus or chloroplasts of host plant cells.
02
Role of host's RNA polymerase II in viroid replication
Transcribes viroid RNA into a longer intermediate.
