Question

Which one of the given statement is not correct about plant viruses ?

• A. In viruses, the envelope proteins may even project from the envelope surface as spikes are also called as protomers
• B. In viruses, the envelope proteins may even project from the envelope surface as spikes are also called as concatemers
• C. In viruses, the envelope proteins may even project from the envelope surface as spikes are also called as peplomers.
• D. In viruses, the envelope proteins may even project from the envelope surface as spikes are also called as capsomers

Hint:

Remember these key viral structure terms: \textbf{Capsid} is the protein coat, made of \textbf{capsomers}. The optional outer membrane is the \textbf{envelope}, which has spikes called \textbf{peplomers}. A \textbf{concatemer} is a long string of replicated genomes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the incorrect statement regarding the terminology used for viral structures, specifically the protein spikes on a viral envelope. Although the question mentions "plant viruses," the terminology is general to virology. Most plant viruses are non-enveloped, but the question focuses on the names for envelope spikes.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the terms in the options:


Protomers: This is a general term for the structural protein subunits that assemble to form a larger structure, like a capsid. While envelope proteins are made of protomers, the spike itself is not called a protomer.

Peplomers: This is the correct, specific term for the glycoprotein spikes that project from the envelope of an enveloped virus. The word comes from the Greek 'peplos' (robe or envelope). So, statement (C) is correct.

Capsomers: These are the morphological subunits of the viral capsid, the protein shell that encloses the nucleic acid. They are not found on the envelope. So, statement (D) is technically incorrect as a description of envelope spikes.

Concatemers: This term refers to a long continuous DNA molecule that contains multiple copies of the same DNA sequence linked in series. It is a concept related to viral genome replication (e.g., in bacteriophages) and has nothing to do with envelope proteins or spikes. Therefore, this statement is definitively incorrect.

Comparing the incorrect statements, statement (B) uses a completely unrelated term from a different area of virology (genome replication). Statements (A) and (D) use terms related to viral structure, but apply them incorrectly to envelope spikes. However, the most fundamentally wrong term is "concatemers."
Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is that envelope spikes are called concatemers. Concatemers are related to DNA replication, not protein structures.