Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can cause plants to produce less chlorophyll. This causes leaf discoloration. Explain why plants with TMV have stunted growth.

The reduction in plant chlorophyll content due to TMV means that less photosynthesis is reduced. Chlorophyll is integral to photosynthesis. A reduction in photosynthesis means that there is a subsequent reduction in glucose production. Glucose is an important molecule for plants as it provides energy for reactions necessary to build macromolecules (such as proteins and cellulose) which are needed for cell growth. Thus a reduction in glucose production will in turn result in reduced plant growth.