AQA · Biology · 8461
GCSE Biology: Plant defence responses
Infection and response · AQA GCSE Biology (8461), specification point 4.3.3.2. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Plant defence responses", and every card links back to the page it came from. Separate science only. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
10 flashcards · Free to study · No account needed
Study this deck
Preparing your cards…
All questions and answers
Read through the full deck, or practise recalling each answer above.
Name the three types of plant defence response.
Show answer
Physical, chemical and mechanical.
What is the purpose of physical plant defence responses?
Show answer
To resist invasion by microorganisms (pathogens).
Plant cell walls are made of ?, forming a physical barrier against microorganisms.
Show answer
cellulose
What physical defence covers the surface of plant leaves?
Show answer
A tough waxy cuticle, which stops pathogens entering the leaf.
How does bark act as a physical defence on trees?
Show answer
It is a layer of dead cells around the stem that falls off, carrying pathogens away with it.
Give two examples of chemical plant defence responses.
Show answer
Antibacterial chemicals and poisons that deter herbivores.
Why do some plants produce poisons?
Show answer
To deter herbivores from eating them (a chemical defence).
How do thorns and hairs defend a plant?
Show answer
They are mechanical adaptations that deter animals from eating the plant.
What type of plant defence is a leaf that droops or curls when touched?
Show answer
A mechanical adaptation — it deters or dislodges animals (e.g. insects) feeding on the leaf.
Some plants use ? to trick animals into not eating them, e.g. by resembling stones or looking already occupied.
Show answer
mimicry
Want to create your own cards? Create a free account. AI generation uses credits.