Plant Defences

Plant Defences

Plants respond to threats by producing chemicals.
Lupin leaves produce poisonous alkaloid chemicals, these chemicals are poisonous to many organisms including dogs, cats and livestock. Alkaloids are produced using a circadian rhythm starting early in the morning.
Digitalis produces a toxin which can cause vomiting, jaundice, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and heart rate changes including dysrhythmias. it is poisonous to dogs, cats and livestock.
Scientists are producing high yielding, blight resistant potatoes.
1. Blight = Fungus
2. Potatoes can also produce alkaloids when their leaves and tubers (potatoes) are exposed to light.
3. Potato tubers go green when exposed to light and are being researched as a possible cure for cancer.
4. Eating green potatoes can cause joint inflammation and arthritis.
Humans have used plant poisons for medicines, hallucinogens and killing prey.

Resource summary

	Created by livmills97 over 10 years ago