Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: The terms non persistent, semi-persistent and persistent viruses were coined by Watson and Roberts
Statement II: The terms non persistent, semi-persistent and persistent viruses were coined by Watson and Crick
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Watson and Roberts (1939) established the foundation of plant virology transmission terminology, whereas Watson and Crick (1953) discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant viruses rely heavily on insect vectors, especially hemipterans like aphids, for transmission between host plants.
The relationship between the virus and its vector is classified based on the retention time of the virus within the vector's body.
This classification divides virus-vector relationships into non-persistent, semi-persistent, and persistent types.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements to identify the researchers who coined these terms:
1. Statement I: The terms "non-persistent" and "persistent" were first proposed by Marion A. Watson and F. M. Roberts in 19
These researchers studied the transmission of Potato Virus Y and Henbane Mosaic Virus by the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae.
They established that some viruses are lost quickly after feeding (non-persistent), while others are retained for long periods, sometimes for the life of the vector (persistent).
The category of "semi-persistent" was added later to describe viruses with intermediate retention times (such as Beet Yellows Virus).
Therefore, Statement I is correct.
2. Statement II: James Watson and Francis Crick are famous for discovering the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953.
They were molecular biologists and did not work on plant-vector virology or coin transmission terminology.
Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.