Plants have a number of barriers and mechanisms to prevent entry of pathogens - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 8
Plants have a number of barriers and mechanisms to prevent entry of pathogens.
The most likely route of entry of the fungal pathogen to the wheat plants above is via... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Plants have a number of barriers and mechanisms to prevent entry of pathogens - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. stoma.
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Answer
The most likely route of entry for fungal pathogens to wheat plants is through the stomata. Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that facilitate gas exchange. They can also provide an entry point for pathogens, especially under conditions where they are open, such as during transpiration when water vapor is released. This makes them more susceptible to infection.
Step 2
B. waxy cuticle.
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The waxy cuticle serves as a protective barrier that prevents water loss and some pathogens from entering the plant tissues. However, it is not the primary route that pathogens typically exploit.
Step 3
C. leaf receptors.
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Leaf receptors are part of the plant's defense mechanisms, detecting pathogens, but they are not physical entry points for pathogens.
Step 4
D. external layer of small hairs.
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The external layer of small hairs (trichomes) may deter some herbivores and pathogens, but they are not the primary entry route for pathogens like fungi.
