Plant defence mechanisms Flashcards
What do cellulose cell walls and waxy cuticles protect plants from?
Pathogens
How do cellulose walls and waxy cuticles protect the plant?
Both act as physical barriers to prevent pathogens entering.
What do layers of dead cells/bark protect plants from?
Pathogens
How do layers of dead cells/bark protect plants?
They form a protective layer that is hard for pathogens to penetrate. When the dead cells (or bark) are lost or shed, the pathogens fall off with them.
What do antibacterial chemicals protect plants against?
Pathogens
How do antibacterial chemicals protect plants?
Most plants produce antibacterial chemicals that protect them against invading pathogens. These are very effective at preventing bacterial diseases in many plants.
What do poisons protect plants from?
Herbivores
How do poisons protect plants?
Animals quickly learn to avoid eating plants that make them feel unwell.
What do thorns protect plants from?
Large herbivores
How do thorns protect plants?
Thorns make it unpleasant and painful to eat.
What do leaves that curl or drop when touched protect the plant against?
Insects, larger animals.
How do leaves that curl or droop when touched protect the plant?
The leaves collapse suddenly, dislodging insects and frightening larger animals.
What does mimicry protect the plant from?
Animals, butterflies
How does mimicry protect the plant?
Some plants drop to mimic unhealthy plants and this tricks animals into not eating them. Some mimic butterfly eggs on their surfaces so real butterflies do not lay eggs on them to avoid competition with other caterpillars.
What do hairy stems and/or leaves protect the plant from?
Insects and larger animals
