Plant diseases Flashcards
1
Q
What can plants catch diseases from?
A
- Microorganisms - fungi, viruses, bacteria
- Larger organisms - insects (aphids)
- Deficiancy disorders - mineral ions
2
Q
What does a deficiancy of nitrate ions cause?
A
- Nitrate ions are needed to make proteins
- If there is a deficiancy, plants have stunted growth
3
Q
What does a deficiancy of magnesium ions cause?
A
- Magnesium ions are needed to make chlorophyll
- If there is a deficiancy, leaves will be yellow
4
Q
How can plant diseases be detected?
A
- Plant diseases can usually be siagnosed by observing symptoms
- You could conduct DNA tests on the plant
- You could observe the plant / leaf under a microscope
5
Q
What are the three types of plant defences (with examples)?
A
- Physical - cellular cell wall, waxy cuticle, layer of dead cells (the bark)
- Chemical - antimicrobial oils to kill bacteria
- Mechanical - function rather than barrier, thorns that stop animals from eating / touching the plant
