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

The virus is causing less chlorophyll to be produced. This is a problem as chlorophyll is an essential component in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process by which plants are able to use sunlight in the production of glucose. Glucose is an essential molecule for energy production, and therefore the plant will not grow due to a lack of energy. As well as this, glucose is used in the production of proteins used in growth. In summary, the virus interrupts photosynthesis, which leads to a reduction in glucose availability and subsequent stunting of growth.