4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: Plant Defense

Question 1

What are the key terms associated with plant defence against pathogens?

Answer 1

• Antibacterial
• Callose
• Non-specific
• Skin flora

Question 2

Do plants have blood or an immune system?

Answer 2

No, plants do not have blood or an immune system.

Question 3

What barriers do plants have to prevent entry of pathogens?

Answer 3

• Bark
• Waxy cuticles

Question 4

What types of chemicals can plants produce as a defence against bacterial infections?

Answer 4

• Antibacterial chemicals
• Proteins

Question 5

Which plants are mentioned as examples that produce antibacterial chemicals?

Answer 5

• Mint
• Witch hazel

Question 6

What is the function of citronella in plants?

Answer 6

To repel insects

Question 7

What are some natural insecticides that plants can produce?

Answer 7

• Caffeine
• Pyrethrins

Question 8

What is callose?

Answer 8

A polysaccharide that can be deposited in plants to prevent pathogen spread.

Question 9

Where can callose be deposited in the plant?

Answer 9

• Sieve plates in phloem
• Other locations

Question 10

How does callose function as a defence mechanism?

Answer 10

It becomes a barrier that prevents pathogens from spreading to further cells.

Question 11

True or False: Plants only rely on chemical defences to protect themselves from pathogens.

Answer 11

False