3.3.3

Plant Defences

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Plant Defences

Plants have lots of defences against infections and harm from other organisms. They include:

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Physical defences

  • Bark is made of dead cells that acts as a barrier of protection for the stem against pathogens and pests (like aphids).
  • Waxy cuticle is a barrier on the surface of leaves and stems to stop pathogens invading leaf tissue.
  • Cell walls, which are made of cellulose, are a physical barrier to stop pathogens entering cells.
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Chemical defences

  • Antibacterial chemicals are produced by some plants, such as mint, garlic and witch hazel. They work like antibiotics to stop populations of bacteria from growing.
  • Poisons are produced by many plants, including foxglove and deadly nightshade, to deter (put off) herbivores.
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Mechanical defences

  • Thorns or hairs stop animals eating the plants.
  • Leaves that close up rapidly when touched decrease the surface area available to herbivores. They may also dislodge smaller herbivores already on the plant.
  • Some plants use mimicry (copying) to trick animals.
    • An example is a pattern on leaves that resembles the presence of insect eggs. Insects avoid laying their eggs on them in order to avoid competition.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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