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Name: Allison
Status: student
Age: 14
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 12/10/2004
Question:
What sort of an immune system do plants have? How does it function? Is it strong or weak? Do certain soils or liquids affect it function?

Replies:
Possibly helpful: www.newton.dep.anl.gov/newton/askasci/1993/biology/bio035.htm

http://www.upwardquest.com/immune-support/08-plant-immune.html

Anthony Brach PhD.

Instead of having an immune system like mammals do, plants protect themselves by producing chemicals or by physical deterrents like nettles or thorns. Some chemicals are poisonous, some are psychoactive, in other words make the predator "loopy" so they don't think as much about eating! So the active chemical in marijhuana for example is actually a protective mechanism for the plant. Some plants produce chemicals that have a very bad taste to deter predators.

Van Hoeck


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