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
Canavanine does not function as a plant hormone; instead, it acts more as a defense mechanism against herbivory.
Step 2
B. is a pheromone that attracts insects.
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Answer
Canavanine is not a pheromone; it is an amino acid with defensive properties, not a substance that attracts insects.
Step 3
C. makes seeds containing it distasteful to insects.
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Answer
This is a correct statement; the presence of canavanine can deter insects from feeding on the seeds due to its incorporation into insect proteins, which leads to negative effects on the insects consuming it.
Step 4
D. in insect proteins reduces the ability of an insect to feed.
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Answer
This statement is also valid as canavanine affects the structure of proteins in insects, potentially impairing their feeding capabilities.
