Question 16

(Multiple Choice)

Why might endophytes be able to help protect trees from pathogens that infect their leaves?


A)Because fungal endophytes produce hyphae, they have a greater chance of encountering pathogens within the leaf.
B)Because fungal endophytes can degrade cellulose and lignin, they are able break down the cell walls of many plant pathogens.
C)Because fungal endophytes disperse spores through the air, they are able to spread to leaves even at the tops of tall trees.
D)Because fungal endophytes have a shorter generation time than trees, they can more rapidly evolve new defenses.
E)Because fungal endophytes have cell walls containing chitin, they are able to present a larger diversity of receptor molecules on their surface that can detect pathogens.

Answer