Plant defence mechanisms Year 12 biology Module 4 Communicable Diseases OCR specification

This is designed for the OCR specification in AS biology. It comprises an independent learning activity to achieve the following learning objectives:

1. Recall that in plants there are passive and active defences against pathogens (Grade C)
2. Compare physical and chemical defences, using examples (Grade B)
3. Explain the mode of action of different chemicals released by plants (Grade A)

The activity provides a series of detailed information slides from which students need to glean the relevant
information from to complete their summary table.

Note: Less able students may struggle to summarise the information and pull out the important aspects. Teachers could either have students work in pairs to support each other or give the students further support by confirming that the first paragraphs of each information sheet is the most important. Further structure is provided through the highlighting of specific keywords enabling students to focus on less content.

More able students are challenged to be independent learners and develop skills in identifying key information. They can also develop their understanding to a deeper level by reading beyond the first paragraphs from each information sheet. There are many synoptic connections with other key topics on cell structure and function, biological molecules.

The cover image is a mark scheme for the activity which could be used as peer or self-assessment. It is also indicative of the level of detail with which the activity has been created.