What is Tobacco Mosaic Virus?

The first virus ever discovered was the Tobacco Mosaic Virus. The virus has since been used as a model organism and it offered prospects within biotechnology. Abbreviated, the virus is also called TMV. It is an RNA virus. It was found in the tobacco plant and causes yellowing. This process begins on young leaves around the veins. Then stains on other parts of the leaves as well. This indicates the origin of the name mosaic virus. In the next stage, the leaves begin to curl and irregular growth occurs. This disease significantly reduces yield in the tobacco plant. Almost every tobacco plant has this disease. The virus is located throughout the plant. This is called systemic. For humans, the virus is harmless if this contaminated product is used.