The degradation of potato virus M (PVM) particles in plant cells

Degradation of potato virus M particles was observed in the cells of Solanum tuberosum, Solanum rostratum, Lycopersicon esculentum and Lycopersicon chilense plants infected with this virus. PVM particles found in the cytoplasm of infected parenchyma cells grouped together in the form of inclusions, often found near the tonoplast. The ends of the virus particles and the tonoplast came into close contact. Cytoplasmic protrusions containing PVM particles, reaching into vacuoles were formed in those places. In addition to a large central vacuole, small vacuoles were observed in cells containing PVM particles. Various stages of degradation of cytoplasmic protrusions were observed both in the large and small vacuoles.