# Explain how plants detect and respond to damage caused by insects.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.3.3 Plant disease (Bio only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Some plants produce chemicals in their leaves when insects begin to eat them. These chemicals can also affect neighbouring plants of the same species.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Plants detect changes at the cellular level / detect damage caused by insects
2. Damaged plants produce chemicals that are toxic / taste unpleasant to insects
3. These chemicals can be released into the air / soil and detected by neighbouring plants
4. Neighbouring plants then produce the same defensive chemicals before being attacked / as a precaution

## Key terms

- [insects](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insects)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-plants-detect-and-respond-2b4c277b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.