Question

A few nucleotide changes in two short regions on the potato spindle-tuber viroid are believed to alter the shape of the rod and thus its ability to cause disease?

1) True
2) False

Answer 1

True. Nucleotide changes in two short regions on the potato spindle-tuber viroid can alter its shape and ability to cause disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

True. A few nucleotide changes in two short regions on the potato spindle-tuber viroid can alter the shape of the rod and its ability to cause disease. The potato spindle-tuber viroid (PSTV) is a pathogen that infects potato plants and causes slower sprouting and deformities. By changing the nucleotide sequence in specific regions, the shape of the viroid's rod can be altered, impacting its pathogenicity.