Question

How do plants defend against pathogens?

Answer 1

Plants have a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves against pathogens. Some common ways plants defend against pathogens include:

1. Physical barriers such as the plant's outer layer of cells, waxy cuticle, and thorns that prevent pathogens from entering.
2. Chemical defenses like producing antimicrobial compounds such as phytoalexins that inhibit pathogen growth.
3. Hypersensitive response where the plant rapidly kills cells at the infection site to prevent the pathogen from spreading.
4. Induced systemic resistance where the plant activates defense mechanisms throughout its system after being exposed to a pathogen.
5. Symbiotic relationships with beneficial microbes that can outcompete or inhibit the growth of pathogens. These defense mechanisms help plants resist and combat pathogens to maintain their health and survival.