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AAT Bioquest

How do plants resist disease without antibodies?

Posted April 24, 2020


Answer

Plants have PRRs (pattern recognition receptors) that allow them to recognize PAMPs and MAMPs (pathogen- and microbial-associated molecular patterns). This recognition can activate PTI (PAMP-triggered immunity), which attempts to halt colonization by the pathogen. In addition, plants have NB-LRR (nucleotide binding-leucine rich repeat) proteins that recognize pathogen effectors, which results in ETI (effector-triggered immunity). Antimicrobial chemicals and enzymes are also produced by plants as secondary metabolites.

Additional resources

Jones, J., & Dang, L.J. (2006). The plant immune system. Nature, 444, 323–329. doi:10.1038/nature05286

Wallace, R.J., (2004). Antimicrobial properties of plant secondary metabolites. Proceedings of the nutrition society, 63(4), 621-629.