Plant diseases

Question 1

What can plants catch diseases from?

Answer 1

• Microorganisms - fungi, viruses, bacteria
• Larger organisms - insects (aphids)
• Deficiancy disorders - mineral ions

Question 2

What does a deficiancy of nitrate ions cause?

Answer 2

• Nitrate ions are needed to make proteins
• If there is a deficiancy, plants have stunted growth

Question 3

What does a deficiancy of magnesium ions cause?

Answer 3

• Magnesium ions are needed to make chlorophyll
• If there is a deficiancy, leaves will be yellow

Question 4

How can plant diseases be detected?

Answer 4

• Plant diseases can usually be siagnosed by observing symptoms
• You could conduct DNA tests on the plant
• You could observe the plant / leaf under a microscope

Question 5

What are the three types of plant defences (with examples)?

Answer 5

• Physical - cellular cell wall, waxy cuticle, layer of dead cells (the bark)
• Chemical - antimicrobial oils to kill bacteria
• Mechanical - function rather than barrier, thorns that stop animals from eating / touching the plant