[Campbell Biology P.461] Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies horizontal transm... | Practice Question

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies horizontal transmission of a plant virus?

  • A: A plant inherits a viral infection from its parent through infected seeds.
  • B: A gardener accidentally spreads a virus to a healthy plant using contaminated pruning shears.
  • C: A virus spreads throughout a plant's tissues via plasmodesmata after initial infection.
  • D: A plant develops a viral disease due to a spontaneous genetic mutation in its own cells.

Explanation

Horizontal transmission occurs when an external source infects the plant. Contaminated pruning shears represent an external source spreading the virus, fitting this definition. Vertical transmission involves inheritance from a parent.