Students should be able to describe physical and chemical plant defence responses.
Physical defence responses to resist invasion of microorganisms.
- Cellulose cell walls.
- Tough waxy cuticle on leaves.
- Layers of dead cells around stems (bark on trees) which fall off.
Chemical plant defence responses.
- Antibacterial chemicals.
- Poisons to deter herbivores.
Mechanical adaptations.
- Thorns and hairs deter animals.
- Leaves which droop or curl when touched.
- Mimicry to trick animals.