VIROID Meaning and
Definition
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A viroid refers to an infectious particle composed solely of a small, single-stranded RNA molecule. It lacks a protein coat or a lipid envelope, unlike other viruses. Viroids are extremely small, typically consisting of about 240 to 400 nucleotides. These unique infectious agents are known for causing plant diseases. Their discovery in the late 1970s revolutionized the understanding of pathogens and their ability to cause disease.
Viroids primarily infect plants, causing various diseases and symptoms, including stunted growth, leaf deformation, and discoloration. They are typically transmitted through contaminated plant material, such as seeds, pollen, or sap, as well as through insect vectors. Upon entering plant cells, viroids replicate autonomously, hijacking the host's cellular machinery. They interfere with the normal functioning of the plant's genetic material, leading to altered gene expression and disrupting essential cellular processes.
Viroids are highly specific in their host range, often infecting only particular plant species or families. They do not have the ability to infect animals, including humans. Research has identified numerous viroids in different plant species, and they are classified into several families based on their nucleotide sequence and the diseases they cause.
Understanding viroids and their pathogenic mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to manage plant diseases. Detecting and controlling viroid infections involve various techniques, including molecular tools such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify and study the viroid's presence within host plants. While viroid-induced diseases can severely impact agriculture and horticulture, ongoing research and surveillance efforts aim to mitigate their negative impact on plant health and global food production.
Common Misspellings for VIROID
- ciroid
- biroid
- giroid
- firoid
- vuroid
- vjroid
- vkroid
- v9roid
- v8roid
- vieoid
- vidoid
- vifoid
- vitoid
- vi5oid
- vi4oid
- viriid
- virkid
- virlid
- virpid
Etymology of VIROID
The word "viroid" is derived from the combination of two words: virus and RNA.
"Virus" originates from the Latin word "virus", which means "poison" or "slime". Initially, the term "virus" was used to describe any poisonous substance. However, in the late 19th century, it was specifically assigned to infectious agents that cause diseases.
The term "RNA" (ribonucleic acid) refers to a type of nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and gene expression. It is an abbreviation for "ribonucleic acid".
Considering that viroids are small infectious agents consisting solely of RNA, the word "viroid" was formulated by combining "virus" and "RNA". It was first used in the scientific literature in the early 1970s to identify a new class of infectious agents that were distinct from typical viruses.
