viroid

(noun)

plant pathogens, of the order Viroidales, that consist of just a short section of RNA but without the protein coat typical of viruses

Related Terms

Examples of viroid in the following topics:

  • Viroids

    • Viroid RNA does not code for any protein.
    • The first viroid to be identified was the potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) .
    • Finally, transgenic expression of the noninfectious hpRNA of potato spindle tuber viroid develops all the corresponding viroid like symptoms.
    • The Pospiviroidae are a family of viroids, including the first viroid to be discovered, PSTVd.
    • The Avsunviroidae are a family of viroids.

  • Defective Viruses

    • The hepatitis delta virus of humans has an RNA genome similar to viroids, but has a protein coat derived from hepatitis B virus and cannot produce one of its own.
    • The hepatitis delta virus of humans has an RNA genome similar to viroids, but has a protein coat derived from hepatitis B virus and cannot produce one of its own.
    • They may represent evolutionary intermediates of viroids and viruses.

  • Penetrating Host Defenses

    • Infections are caused by pathogens such as viruses, prions, bacteria, and viroids, and larger organisms like macroparasites and fungi.