- A Through direct penetration of the insect skin surface, causing rapid and explosive lysis of host cells over time in standard practice under most conditions encountered
- B Through ingestion of contaminated plant material, with the virus replicating in the nucleus forming polyhedral inclusion bodies that cause liquefaction of the insect
- C Through entry via the respiratory tract of the insect, leading to progressive damage of the central nervous system over time as frequently observed in practice
- D Through transovarial infection of the developing egg, causing mainly relatively minor developmental defects in many documented cases according to conventional understanding
Correct answer: B. Through ingestion of contaminated plant material, with the virus replicating in the nucleus forming polyhedral inclusion bodies that cause liquefaction of the insect
Explanation: Nucleopolyhedroviruses infect insects when larvae ingest foliage contaminated with polyhedral inclusion bodies. The virus replicates in cell nuclei, eventually causing host cell and ultimately whole-larva liquefaction (the infected caterpillar literally melts), releasing millions of viral particles.
Concept context
Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers