plant response to pest + pathogen Flashcards
examples of pests + pathogen
insect herbivores : phloem feeders, cell content feeders, chewing insects
disese-causing organisms: fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes
define constitutive defenses
performed mechanisms that are in place prior to attack
define induced defenses
initiated only after attack is perceived.
- generalized defense or specialized defense (in response to early ID of specific invader
- response to insect herbivore + pathogen are different
what is systemic acquired resistance?
if plan survives an attack, can develop increased resistance to subsequent attacks
constitutive and/or induced defense strategies
mechanical barriers recognition strategies local + long distance signaling biochemical defenses - secondary metabolite arsenal, protein-based defense
purpose of mechanical barriers
provide first line of defense against insect pests + pathogens
-> surface structures, mineral crystals, thigmonastic leaf movements
thorns, prickles, spines, trichomes
what are trichomes useful for?
- what are glandular trichomes
structural barrriers. deter herbivore attack via physical and/or chemical means
glandular trichomes contain 2-ary metabolites with defensive properties
- burst upon contact
what are mineral crystals
- structural barriers, mechanical obstacle to herbivory.
- silica crystals AKA phytoliths in epidermal cell wall abrasive + tough = deter insect herbivoes
- calcium oxalate crystals in vacuole, needle-like and harmful to large herbivores
lignin as mechanical barrier
in 2-ary CW.
- can be synthesized as part of induced response by cells with 1-ary CW to seal off and contain pathogens.
- reduces nutritional quality of plant tissues for many herbivores
lipids as mechanical barriers
- what is cuticle?
- what is suberin?
basis of cutin, wax, suberin = structural barriers to reduce water loss + pathogen invasion
= cuticle is complex mix of cutin, coated by wax.
= suberin is highly hydrophobic, rubbery material. limits apoplastic flow across endodermis. exodermis undearneath epidermis enriched in suberin
mimosa plant as example of thigmotaxis
when touched, turgor changes to move leaf. in mimosa, close leaf.
rapid movements deter feeding insects + grazing herbivores by startling them
specialized plant metabolites as deterent
– 3 classes of 2-ary metabolites = effects?
chemical defense - 2nd line of defense.
- phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids.
= potent toxins or have medicinal properties
what are phenolics
base structure is phenol. phenylalanine is precursor.
- phenylpropanoids most abundant phenolic compounds.
- UV protection, defend against herbivores, floral pigment + scent
what is phenylpropanoid p-Coumaric acid
precursor for synthesis of flavonoids,, class of phytochemicals.
= protect from UV
= chemical messenger: secrete flavonoids to secrete od factors during nodulation of legumes
what are condensed tannins
polymers composed of flavonoid units. antimicrobial, feeding repellents, general toxins
tannins in fruits?
- tannins in agriculture
bitter flavour and astringency
- unripe = higher level of tannin, deters feeders.
- tannins not in major cereal crops, except tropical cereal sorghum.
- resistant to grain mold + bird damage. decrease protein digestibility.
what are terpenoids
5-C isoprene units assembled/modified numerous ways.
- isopentenyl diphosphate is precursor for terpene synthesis
- aromatic qualities
monoterpenes,
sesquiterpenes, triterpenes
diterpenes, tetraterpenes
C10
C15, C30
C20, C40
diff properties based on this property
mono vs sesquiterpenes - characteristic?
volatile essential oil.
insect-repellent properties
what are alkaloids
diverse N-containing compounds synthesized from aa
- many diff biosynthetic pathways.
- physiological actions on humans ( drugs, poisons)
nicotine + caffeine
both alkaloids.
- nicotine; in nightshade family. antiherbivore + stimulant.
- constitutive and inducible defense
= caffeine, toxic to both pathogens and herbivorse. - prevents premature feeding. toxic/bitter
what are phytoalexins
chemically diverse group of 2-ary metabolites with strong antimicrobial activity
- constitutively produced but sometimes induced at site of infection as well