How can Observations be used to Recognise Plant Diseases? | -Growth Problems might be linked to Crown Gall; Mottling of Leaves might link with Tobacco Mosaic, Smell or Touch may seem Off |
What are Antigens? | -Simply Molecules that are on the Surface of the Cells
-Antibodies can Detect it - they are Proteins that Bind on to that Antigen |
What happens in a ELISA Test? | -Antibodies will be used against the Pathogen's Antigens
-Antibodies have Enzymes, which react with a Substrate to make a Colour Change
-Antibodies simply are Added into the Sample being Used, and then Washed Off - however, if the Antibodies have Bind on, they will Stay in the Sample
-If a Colour Change happens when the Substrate has been Added, then the Antigen, [Pathogen therefore] is Existing in the Sample |
What happens in a PCR Test? [Not Covid] | -You are able to see if the DNA of that Pathogen is in the Sample
-Some of the DNA Strand Complementary of the Pathogen are used as a Primers [Template or Base]
-If the DNA Matches, then its Continually Copied.
-If the Pathogen is Present, then lots of DNA [Its] will be Made. |
What Physical Defences do Plants have against Pathogens? | -A Waxy Cuticle [Waterproof Barrier] can be seen in many Leaves and Stems. This ensures that Pathogens do not Enter the Plant and that Water does not Pile Up - Reducing the Chance of a Infection
-Plant Cells have a Cell Wall, made from Cellulose. This makes a Physical Barrier against Pathogens, if they made it through the Waxy Cuticle
-If Pathogens do make it Past those Defence, then the Cell may make a Substance called Callose, which gets Deposited between the Cell Wall and the Cell Membrane |
What Chemical Defences do Plants have Against Pathogens? | -Plants can make Antimicrobial Chemicals that can Kill Pathogens, or Stop their Growth
-Mint Plants and Witch Hazel makes those Chemicals that can Kill Bacteria
-Saponins is another Chemical that can be Made, that Destroys the Cell Membrane of Fungi and other Pathogens |
How can Plants Contribute to Modern Medicine? | -The Drugs used often have Chemicals being Extracted from a Plant
-Genes Responsible of making those Chemicals are also seen in Genetic Engineering for Insect and Disease Resistant Crops |