Course Code: GEB 305

Course title: General Virology

Section: 1
Semester: Spring 2023

Submitted To
Zinat Farzana
Lecturer
Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Submitted By
Ahmed Julker Nine
2020-1-77-042

Date: 30-04-2023
Describe Structure and Biosynthesis of a plant virus with detailed diagrams.

Introduction

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a Geminiviridae family single-stranded

DNA virus. TYLCV is one of the most damaging tomato viruses, causing major
crop losses in various parts of the world. Understanding the structure and
biosynthesis of TYLCV is crucial for establishing effective management
techniques and reducing its impact on tomato crops.

Structure of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

TYLCV has a 2.7 kb genome that is separated into two segments: the A and B
components. The replication-associated protein and the coat protein are encoded by
the A component, while the movement protein and the transcriptional activator
protein are encoded by the B component.

Two incomplete T=1 icosahedral capsids are stacked back-to-back in the TYLCV
virion's geminate structure. The 110 coat protein subunits that make up the capsids
are placed in a T=3 quasi-symmetrical pattern, with the N-termini of the subunits
constituting the capsid's outer surface. The stability of the capsid is due to a
network of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts connecting the coat protein
subunits. And, the multifunctional protein known as the of TYLCV is essential for
the viral movement within the plant. The multifunctional protein creates a
passageway for the virus by attaching to the plasmodesmata, the tiny channels that
link adjacent plant cells.
Fig.1: Structure of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

Biosynthesis of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

The biosynthesis of TYLCV involves several stages, including viral entry into the
plant cell, replication of the viral genome, and assembly of new virus particles.

Viral Entry into the Plant cell

The insect vector Bemisia tabaci, which consumes the plant's phloem sap, allows
TYLCV to enter the cell of the host plant. The virus is picked up by the insect
while it is eating, and it is then transferred to the plant when it is eating again. The
virus faces a number of obstacles once inside the plant cell before it can enter the
nucleus and begin replicating.

The cell wall, which is made of cellulose and other polysaccharides and is
impenetrable to big molecules, serves as the first barrier. The virus uses the
multifunctional protein to pass through plasmodesmata and travel from cell to cell
in order to get over this barrier. The multifunctional protein attaches to the
plasmodesmata and creates a passageway for the virus.

The nuclear envelope, which divides the cytoplasm and nucleus, serves as the
second barrier. The virus employs the transcriptional activator protein to encourage
the transport of the viral DNA into the nucleus in order to get past this barrier. The
transcriptional activator protein supports the movement of the viral DNA through
the nuclear envelope by attaching to the host's nuclear transport mechanism.

Replication of the Viral Genome

The Rep protein is used to replicate the viral DNA once it has entered the nucleus.
The Rep protein attaches to certain sequences on the viral DNA and nicks the
DNA at the start of replication to start DNA replication. A double-stranded
replication intermediate is created when the Rep protein uses the nicked strand as a
primer for DNA synthesis.

The single-stranded DNA intermediate that results from the transformation of the
double-stranded replication intermediate acts as a template for the production of
fresh viral DNA. Then, the single stranded DNA intermediate is being replicated.
Resulting in the formation of a single stranded viral DNA molecule.

Assembly of new virus particles

In the host cell's nucleus, new virus particles are assembled. The coat protein
protein attaches to the viral DNA to create a complex that acts as a blueprint for
the construction of new viral particles. After that, the coat protein subunits are put
together around the viral DNA to create the virus's capsid.
110 coat protein subunits are organized in a T=3 quasi-symmetry within the
TYLCV capsid. The C-termini of the coat protein subunits are found inside the
capsid, while the N-termini make up the outside surface. The virus's geminate
structure is made up of two unfinished T=1 icosahedral capsids that are positioned
back to back.

The multifunctional protein is essential for the virus's migration inside the plant.
The multifunctional protein attaches to the plasmodesmata and creates a
passageway for the virus.
Fig.2: Biosynthesis of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

References

Gorovits, R., Moshe, A., Kolot, M., Sobol, I., & Czosnek, H. (2013). Progressive
aggregation of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus coat protein in systemically infected
tomato plants, susceptible and resistant to the virus. PLoS One, 8(1), e55342.

Lapidot, M., & Friedmann, M. (2002). Breeding for resistance to tomato yellow
leaf curl virus: focus on tomato. In Advances in virus research (Vol. 58, pp. 271-
296). Academic Press.

Sade, D., Shriki, O., Cuadros-Inostroza, Á., Tohge, T., Semel, Y., Havkin-Frenkel,
D., ... & Czosnek, H. (2017). Comparative analysis of proteome and transcriptome
variation in tomato yellow leaf curl virus-resistant and-susceptible tomato
cultivars. Plant, Cell & Environment, 40(11), 2604-2617.