Canavanine is an amino acid that is part of the defence system of some plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 17
Canavanine is an amino acid that is part of the defence system of some plants. Some insects that eat seeds containing canavanine incorporate it into their own protei... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Canavanine is an amino acid that is part of the defence system of some plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. is a plant hormone that affects insects.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. Canavanine is not classified as a plant hormone; it is an amino acid involved in the plant's defense mechanisms.
Step 2
B. is a pheromone that attracts insects.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect. Canavanine does not act as a pheromone; rather, it is a compound that affects the physiology of the insects that consume it.
Step 3
C. makes seeds containing it distasteful to insects.
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Answer
This statement is correct. The presence of canavanine in seeds can deter insects from consuming them due to its unpleasant effects on their metabolic processes.
Step 4
D. in insect proteins reduces the ability of an insect to feed.
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Answer
This statement is accurate. Ingested canavanine gets incorporated into insect proteins, which can disrupt normal functioning and feeding behavior.
