An Infectious Agent Is Discovered That Causes a Particular Disease

question 56

Essay

An infectious agent is discovered that causes a particular disease.It has a relatively low molecular weight.Treatment with phenol or proteolytic enzymes,treatments that destroy proteins,render the infectious agent harmless,while treatment with nucleases and ultraviolet radiation,treatments that damage polynucleotides,has no effect.What is your interpretation of the above data and why?

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Definitions:

Plasmogamy

The fusion of the cytoplasm from two distinct fungal or algal cells, typically as part of sexual reproduction, preceding the fusion of nuclei.

Karyogamy

The fusion of two haploid nuclei; follows fusion (plasmogamy) of cells from two sexually compatible mating types.

Lichens

A symbiotic association between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria, living together to form a single, distinct organism that often appears as leafy or crusty growths on rocks and trees.

Basidiomycetes

a class of fungi characterized by producing spores on club-shaped structures called basidia, includes mushrooms and rusts.