Plant defences

Question 1

How might a plant protect itself from an attack?

Answer 1

They may make poisons in their cells to deter pests trying to eat them or release chemicals that kill pathogens (e.g. bacteria and fungi), which infect them and cause disease

Question 2

Describe the uses of cinchona trees and give an example

Answer 2

Quinine: used to treat human disease like malaria

Question 3

Where do you find digoxin and describe its uses

Answer 3

Its in foxglove and is used to treat human disorders like heart disorders

Question 4

Aspirin is from the willow tree. State why its used

Answer 4

To relieve symptoms like pain and fever

Question 5

What is a symptom?

Answer 5

It is what you show or feel when you have a disorder or a disease

Question 6

Why are pesticides important for farmers?

Answer 6

It reduces the damage done to the crops by pathogen attack and hence increases yield, giving them a better profit and more food for the population

Question 7

Why do plants benefit from producing chemicals to deter/kill pathogens?

Answer 7

It protects them from harm and they are able to produce more food and so grow more rapidly