Question

Who discovered that RNA is the genetic material in TMV?
A. Gierere and Schramm
B. Issacs and Lindemann
C. Sinsheimer
D. Delbruck

Answer 1

Hint: Tobacco Mosaic Virus is a single-stranded RNA virus this discovery was done by two scientists.

Complete answer: Issacs and Lindemann discovered that the cells exposed to the dead viruses secreted a substance, which was a previously unknown substance in the year 1957. This substance showed the property of blocking or preventing future viral infections. These were called interferons.
1. Sinsheimer first reported the single-stranded circular DNA genome. He also discovered the double-stranded replicative form of bacteriophage DNA.
2. Delbruck discovered a one-step process for growing bacteriophages, which after its one hour of the latent period will multiply into several hundred thousands of progeny in its next generation.
3. Gierere and Schramm, are two German scientists known for their discovery of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV). Their discovery was on the genetic material and genetic functions of the RNA virus TMV.

Additional information: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a single-stranded RNA virus. Most of the plant viruses are RNA viruses. TMV infects a wide range of plants especially Tobacco and many other members of the Solanaceae family.
TMV infection causes a characteristic mosaic pattern on the leaves of the infected plants.
It also shows mottling and discoloration on the leaves.

Hence the correct option is ‘A’.

Note: Issacs and Lindemann are known for their discovery on interferons which acts as an immune response.