Plant Defences Unveiled

Which of the following is NOT a type of passive defence mechanism that plants use against pathogen invasion?

Chemical receptors (correct)
Bark
Small stomata
Thick cuticle

Which of the following is an example of a chemical barrier that can reduce fungal and bacterial growth in plants?

Saponins (correct)
Thick cuticle
Cell walls
Small stomata

What is the purpose of vertical hanging leaves in plants?

To reduce the likelihood of pathogen reservoirs building up on the outside of leaves (correct)
To provide a food source for pathogens
To allow for better water regulation in the plant
To increase the likelihood of pathogen invasion

What is the difference between passive and active plant defences against pathogens?

Passive defences involve physical and chemical barriers, while active defences involve recognition of the pathogen and a response (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stomata in plant defence against pathogens?

Stomata can be a potential port of entry for pathogens, but they help regulate water balance in the plant (D) Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between passive and active plant defences against pathogens.

Passive defences are physical or chemical barriers that prevent pathogen invasion, while active defences are activated once the pathogen is recognized by the plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cuticle in plant defence against pathogens?

The cuticle is a physical barrier that inhibits pathogen entry and plants with thicker cuticles are better able to withstand pathogen invasion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bark in plant defence against pathogens?

Bark offers plants extra protection against pathogens that otherwise might invade and try to reach the food source, sap, in the phloem beneath the tree bark. Signup and view all the answers

What are stomata and how do they affect plant defence against pathogens?

Stomata are openings on plant leaves that regulate water balance in the plant, but can also be a potential port of entry for pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What are PAMPs and how do they activate plant defence mechanisms?

PAMPs are pathogen-associated molecular patterns secreted by bacteria that can be detected by chemical receptors on plant cells and activate the next stage of defence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chemical compounds in plant defence against pathogens?

Chemical compounds in the tissues of plants can reduce fungal and bacterial growth and ward off vectors of viruses. Signup and view all the answers

How do vertical hanging leaves reduce the likelihood of pathogen reservoirs building up on the outside of leaves?

Vertical hanging leaves do not accumulate a water film, which reduces the likelihood of pathogen reservoirs building up on the outside of leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What are glucosides and saponins and how do they contribute to plant defence against pathogens?

Glucosides and saponins are chemical compounds in plant tissues that can reduce fungal and bacterial growth. Signup and view all the answers

How do plants produce enzymes that break down pathogen-derived toxins?

Plants may produce enzymes that break down pathogen-derived toxins, which is a type of active defence mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the complex interaction between plants and pathogens that determines disease resistance?

Disease resistance in plants is determined by a complex interaction between the plant and the pathogen at the time of infection. Signup and view all the answers

Plants have inherent disease-resistance strategies that may be passive or ______

active Signup and view all the answers

If a plant can prevent a pathogen from invading its tissue, or prevent the pathogen from reproducing, then it will be resistant to that ______

pathogen Signup and view all the answers

Plants have two major types of passive defences against pathogen invasion: physical barriers and ______ barriers

chemical Signup and view all the answers

Bark offers plants extra protection against pathogens that otherwise might invade and try to reach the food source, sap, in the ______ beneath the tree bark

phloem Signup and view all the answers

Stomata tend to open during humid weather and rainstorms, which helps regulate water balance in the plant, but is also a potential ______ of entry for pathogens

port Signup and view all the answers

Chemical receptors on plant cells can detect the presence of a pathogen and ______ the next stage of defence

activate Signup and view all the answers

Examples of chemicals that can reduce fungal and bacterial growth in plants are ______ and saponins

glucosides Signup and view all the answers

Plants may also produce ______ that break down pathogen-derived toxins

enzymes Signup and view all the answers