Tobacco Mosaic Virus (Tmv) - GCSE Biology Definition

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a virus that affects plants such as tobacco and tomatoes. The virus causes leaves to develop a distinctive mosaic pattern of light and dark green areas, which gives the disease its name. This reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesise, which can lead to stunted growth and lower crop yields. TMV spreads easily from plant to plant through direct contact, such as when infected leaves touch healthy ones or through people handling the plants. It is important to know about TMV in GCSE Biology because it shows how viruses can spread and cause disease in plants.