How Has Reassortment Played a Role in the Evolution of Cucumber

Question

How has reassortment played a role in the evolution of cucumber mosaic virus?
A) It has allowed swapping of RNA segments between strains.
B) It has allowed swapping of regions of the genome between strains
C) It has increased mutations in the RNA genomes.
D) It has maintained stability of the viral genome.
E) It has increased genetic bottlenecks.

Accepted Answer

Reassortment, also known as recombination, is the process by which segments of RNA genomes of two or more different strains of virus mix and match to form a new viral genome. In the case of cucumber mosaic virus, reassortment has allowed the swapping of RNA segments between strains, contributing to the evolution and diversity of the virus. This process can result in new strains that may be more virulent or more adapted to specific hosts or environmental conditions.