Plant defense systems

A.BharaniDeepan 13-513-301

Plant Defenses

Physical barriers

Constitutively produced chemicals

CONSTITUTIVE RESISTANCE

Pre-defense chemicals like secondary metabolites are already accumulated in plants. Terpenoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, phytoecdysones, saponins, cardiac glycosides.

Induced resistance

Defense process that is triggered only by pathogen attack. It includes:

Induction of synthesis of a toxin already present in low amount Biosynthesis of phytoalexins, proteinase inhibitors, PR proteins Hypersensitive reaction

Mechanical defense

Presence of Cutin, suberin & Waxes in the Cuticle and periderm.

Lignification - strengthens the cell wall by forming a ramified network throughout the matrix thus anchoring the cellulose microfibrils more firmly.

Lignin protects the microfibrils on the walls from chemical, physical and biological attack

DEFENSE ROLE OF PHENOLICS IN PLANTS

Allelopathic effects : Juglone

Feeding deterrents : Gallotannins, Quercetin, glycoside (Flavonol)

Anti-fungal agents : Luteone (isoflavone), Protocatechuic acid, Phloridzin

Phytoalexin : Isoflavans
Phenyl propanoids : Coniferyl alcohol Furocoumarins : Psoralab

Pterocarpans : Pisatin
Stilbenes: Resveratrol, styrylpyrones, arylpyrones

TANNINS
Impart resistance to plants from microbes and animal predators. By precipitation of salivary proteins, tannin renders animal tissue unpalatable. Grazing animals do not consume plants with tannin content more than 2% (dry weight basis). Protein component of viruses are made inactive by tannins

Terpenes
Several sesquiterpenes play well defined and essential roles in higher and lower plants including furanoid phytoalexins, lactone antifeedants and numerous antibiotics

Triterpenoid compounds from azadirachtin has insecticidal properties

Compound Pyrethroids Citronellol Iridoid

Insects Many insects Leaf hopper Many insects Lepidopteran grasshoppers Lepidopterans Flour beetles H. virescens Spodoptera littoralis

Mode of Action Neurotoxins Oviposition deterrent Antifeedant

Sesquiterpene lactone (Alantolactone) Gossypol

Antibiosis

Toxic

Phytoecdysteroids
Ecdysone inhibit molting in insects. Stimulate secretion of phenol oxidase, which make the newly formed cuticle harder before it expands. As a result the mouthparts get buried and the insect is unable to feed on plants

Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins)

Protective plant proteins specifically induced in pathological or related situations are called "pathogenesis-related proteins.

phytoalexin, isoflavone reductase

proteins accumulated in seeds and fruits are considered to have a constitutive defense function against microbial pathogens and invertebrate pests in addition to their storage function.

Compatible interaction disease Incompatible interaction resistance 3 aspects of response:

1.Hypersensitive 2.Local 3.Systemic

Hypersensitive reaction (HR)

Characterized by localized and rapid cell death at the site of infection to prevent pathogen spread During HR, reactive oxygen species are produced that causes local cell death and necrosis within 24 hrs

Systemic Response or Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR)

SAR takes 24-48 h to start, can last for months Involves gene activation and a transmitted signal Genes induced:
Chitinases

1,3Glucanases

PR proteins

PGIP model
Polygalacturonares secreted by fungal hypae PG inhibiting proteins present in plant cell wall PGs release oligogalacturonoides which interact with receptor of the plant

Transduction of the oligogalacturonoide signals result in the

expression of plant defense protein Chitinase, glucanse and phytoalexins are secreted by the plant

Biosynthetic pathways for Secondary Metabolites

Shikimic acid Acetate Mevalonate Acetate Malonate Amino acid Related

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