Plant Defences Flashcards
What are the two types of plant defences?
- Physical defences
- Chemical defences
What are physical defences in plant defence?
physical barriers that prevent microorganisms from entering
What are chemical defences in plant defence?
substances secreted by the plant that kill microorganisms
What are some examples of physical defences?
Waxy cuticle and cell wall
Where is the cuticle located?
above the epidermal cells of the plant above the ground
How does the waxy cuticle help as a physical defense for plants?
prevents water loss from the plant and prevents pathogens from making direct contact with the epidermal cells, limiting the chance of infection
On which plants would you find a thin waxy cuticle?
aquatic plants
On which plant would you find a thick waxy cuticle?
cactus
What does the xylem tissue transport?
water and minerals
What does the phloem tissue transport?
sugar
Explain how the waxy cuticle prevents infection in plants.
The hydrophobic nature of the wax prevents water collecting on the leaf surface which is important for defending against fungal pathogens which require standing water for spore germination.
How does the cell wall help as a physical defense for plants?
it provides am excellent structural barrier
What is a cell wall comprised of?
cellulose fibres and pectin
