Plant Diseases and Defences

• What can get diseases besides humans?

  Plants can also get diseases.
• Why do plants need mineral ions?

  They need them from the soil for growth.
• What happens if there aren't enough minerals in the soil?

  Plants suffer deficiency symptoms.
• What are nitrates needed for in plants?

  To make proteins and for growth.
• What does a lack of nitrates cause in plants?

  It causes stunted growth.
• What are magnesium ions needed for in plants?

  For making chlorophyll.
• What happens to plants without enough magnesium?

  They suffer from chlorosis and yellow leaves.
• What types of pathogens can infect plants?

  Viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens.
• How can insects affect plants?

  They can infest and damage plants.
• What is a common sign of plant disease?

  Stunted growth.
• What are some common signs of plant disease?

  • Stunted growth
  • Spots on leaves
  • Patches of decay
  • Abnormal growths
  • Malformed stems or leaves
  • Discoloration
• How can you identify different plant diseases?

  By looking up signs in manuals or websites.
• What can be done in a laboratory to identify plant pathogens?

  Scientists can identify the pathogen.
• What is the role of physical defenses in plants?

  To stop pathogens from entering.
• What do most plant leaves and stems have for protection?

  A waxy cuticle.
• How do plant cells contribute to defense?

  They are surrounded by cell walls.
• What is the purpose of dead cell layers in plants?

  To act as a barrier against pathogens.
• What do plants have to protect against pathogens?

  Physical, chemical, and mechanical defenses.
• What is the function of chemical defenses in plants?

  To deter herbivores and pathogens.
• What is a common physical defense in plants?

  A waxy cuticle on leaves.
• How do mechanical defenses work in plants?

  By using thorns or spines to deter animals.
• How do physical barriers in plants prevent disease?

  They stop pathogens from entering the plant.
• What is the role of dead cells in plant defense?

  They act as a barrier against pathogens.
• What do layers of dead cells in plants do?

  They provide a physical barrier against pathogens.
• What is the purpose of a waxy cuticle on plant leaves?

  To prevent pathogen entry.
• How do plant cells protect themselves from pathogens?

  By being surrounded by cell walls.
• What is the significance of physical defenses in plants?

  They prevent pathogens from entering the plant.
• What do plants use to deter herbivores and pathogens?

  Chemical defenses.
• How do mechanical defenses in plants work?

  By using thorns or spines to deter animals.
• What do plant cells provide to stop pathogens from entering?

  A barrier
• What surrounds plant cells?

  Cell walls made from cellulose
• What is the function of the physical barrier formed by plant cell walls?

  To stop pathogens from entering
• What do plants have around their stems?

  Layers of dead cells
• What do the outer part of the bark on trees act as?

  A barrier to stop pathogens
• What can some plants produce to kill bacteria?

  Antibacterial chemicals
• What do some plants produce that can deter herbivores?

  Poisons
• What can the poisons produced by plants do?

  Deterrent to herbivores
• What adaptations do some plants have to prevent animals from eating them?

  Thorns and hairs
• What do some plants have that can drop or curl when touched?

  Leaves
• What is the purpose of leaves that drop or curl when touched?

  To prevent being eaten by insects