Infection & ResponseDeep Dive
Plant Defense Mechanisms
Part of Plant Diseases and Defenses — GCSE Biology
This deep dive covers Plant Defense Mechanisms within Plant Diseases and Defenses for GCSE Biology. Plant pathogens, defense mechanisms, disease identification, crop protection It is section 6 of 18 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 6 of 18
Practice
18 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Plant Defense Mechanisms
Physical Defenses
Waxy Cuticle
- Waterproof layer on leaves
- Prevents pathogen entry
- Reduces water loss
- Especially thick in desert plants
Cell Walls
- Made of tough cellulose
- Physical barrier to penetration
- Provide structural support
- Can thicken in response to attack
Bark
- Thick, protective outer layer
- Dead cells form barrier
- Protects inner living tissue
- Contains antimicrobial compounds
Thorns and Spines
- Deter herbivores
- Prevent physical damage
- Reduce pathogen transmission
- Modified leaves or stems
Chemical Defenses
Types of Chemical Compounds
- Antimicrobial proteins: Directly kill bacteria and fungi
- Antifungal compounds: Prevent fungal growth and spore germination
- Antiviral proteins: Interfere with virus replication
- Toxins: Poisonous to pathogens and herbivores
- Enzyme inhibitors: Block pathogen enzymes
Production and Response
- Constitutive: Always present as baseline protection
- Induced: Produced rapidly in response to attack
- Systemic: Warning signals sent throughout plant
- Local: Concentrated at site of infection