Physical barriers in plantsSpec 5.9B
Plants can be attacked by pests (such as insects) and by pathogens. Some plants defend themselves with physical barriers that stop these entering.
- The leaf cuticle is a waxy layer on the surface of leaves. It forms a barrier that pathogens and pests find hard to get through.
- The cell wall is made of cellulose around every plant cell. It is a strong barrier that pathogens must get past before they can enter the cell.