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Plant disease (biology only)
Study plant disease (biology only) in AQA GCSE Biology 8461 using approved subtopics and learning objectives from the official specification structure.
24
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaGcseBiologyInfection and response
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
24 objective pages available
Detection and identification of plant diseases13 objectives
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by stunted growth.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by spots on leaves.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by areas of decay or rot.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by growths.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by malformed stems or leaves.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by discolouration.
- Recognise that (HT only) plant diseases can be detected by the presence of pests.
- Explain that (HT only) plant disease can be identified using a gardening manual or website, a laboratory, or testing kits containing monoclonal antibodies.
- Explain that plants can be infected by viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as by insects.
- Recall that knowledge of plant diseases is restricted to tobacco mosaic virus, black spot and aphids.
- Explain that nitrate deficiency causes stunted growth because nitrate ions are needed for protein synthesis and growth.
- Explain that magnesium deficiency causes chlorosis because magnesium ions are needed to make chlorophyll.
- Explain how understanding ion deficiencies helps horticulturists provide optimum conditions for plants.
Plant defence responses11 objectives
- Describe physical plant defence responses.
- Explain how cellulose cell walls resist invasion by microorganisms.
- Explain how a tough waxy cuticle on leaves helps to protect plants.
- Explain how layers of dead cells around stems, such as bark on trees, protect plants and can fall off.
- Describe chemical plant defence responses.
- Explain that plants can produce antibacterial chemicals.
- Explain that plants can produce poisons to deter herbivores.
- Describe mechanical plant defence adaptations.
- Explain how thorns and hairs deter animals.
- Explain how leaves that droop or curl when touched can protect plants.
- Explain how mimicry can help protect plants from herbivores.
Key terms
stunted growthplant disease detectionleaf spotsdecayrotplant growthsdisease detectionmalformed stemsmalformed leavesdiscolourationpest presencegardening manual
Exam tips
- Identify Symptoms of Stunted Growth: Use familiarize yourself with the signs of stunted growth in plants, as this is a key indicator of potential diseases. Link your answer to Detection and identification of plant diseases in Plant disease (biology only), and keep the biology specific to plant. Link your answer to Detection and identification of plant diseases in Plant disease (biology only), and keep the biology specific to plant.
- Spot the Signs: Use familiarize yourself with the various types of spots that can appear on leaves as indicators of plant diseases. Link your answer to Detection and identification of plant diseases in Plant disease (biology only), and keep the biology specific to plant. Link your answer to Detection and identification of plant diseases in Plant disease (biology only), and keep the biology specific to plant.
Common mistakes
- Misunderstanding Stunted Growth: Students should remember that stunted growth can be a symptom of various plant diseases, and they should consider both biological and environmental causes when diagnosing plant health.
- Misidentifying Symptoms: To fix this, students should learn to differentiate between symptoms of plant diseases and those caused by abiotic factors by studying specific examples and understanding the context in which these symptoms occur.
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