5.9B, 5.10B **Biology Only** - Plant Barriers against Disease Flashcards
What are the methods plants use to guard against pathogens?
Plants use physical barriers and chemical defenses to guard against pathogens.
What is a physical barrier that plants have against pathogens?
A thick cellulose cell wall, which is impermeable to many pathogens.
What role does the waxy cuticle play in plant defense?
The thick waxy cuticle on the surface of the leaf acts as a barrier to most pathogens.
How does bark contribute to a plant’s defense?
A layer of bark prevents pathogens from reaching the cells and tissues inside.
What can leaves do to prevent pathogen entry?
Leaves can close their stomata (pores) to stop pathogens from entering the plant.
What type of chemicals can some plants produce for defense?
Some plants can produce antimicrobial chemicals, proteins, and enzymes.
How do some plants attract larger insects for defense?
Some plants release compounds that attract larger insects that feed on the pests.
What can be extracted from plants for medicinal use?
Antimicrobial compounds can be extracted from these plants for use in drugs such as antibiotics.
