Plant Defences Against Micro-Organism
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Plant defences against micro-organisms are the methods plants have to reduce the chance of infection and fight disease causing pathogens.
About Plant defences against micro-organisms
- Plant defences against micro-organisms can be grouped into two main categories: Physical Barriers and Chemical Barriers.
Physical Barriers
- Waxy Cuticle - Leaves have a waxy cuticle which can prevent micro-organisms from entering the leaf.
- Bark - A layer of dead cells surrounds the outside of a tree trunk which blocks micro-organisms form getting into the stem.
- Cell Walls - The cell walls of individual cells can act as a barrier to viruses entering the cells.
Chemical Barriers
- Plants produce a number of chemicals which have antiseptic or antibiotic properties.
- When plants become distressed they give off pheromones which cause nearby plants to also produce antiseptic and antibiotic chemicals, preventing pathogens from spreading.