RNA Silencing Explains Chlorotic Infection Patterns on Plant Leaves
Author Information
Author(s): Groenenboom Marian AC, Hogeweg Paulien
Primary Institution: University of Utrecht
Hypothesis
How does RNA silencing lead to the intricate patterns of chlorotic tissue in plants infected by viruses?
Conclusion
RNA silencing and virus growth can explain the heterogeneous spread of the virus in leaf tissue and the observed infection patterns in plants.
Supporting Evidence
- High virus levels are found in chlorotic tissue, while healthy tissue has low virus levels.
- RNA silencing activity is confined to the yellow spots and the marginal regions of the green spots.
- Different patterns of infection can occur based on the strength of the RNA silencing response.
Takeaway
When plants get infected by viruses, some parts of the leaves turn yellow while others stay green. This happens because of a process called RNA silencing that helps control the virus's spread.
Methodology
The study used a mathematical model to simulate the dynamics of RNA silencing and viral growth in plant tissue.
Limitations
The model does not account for the growth of plant tissue, which may affect the observed patterns.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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