Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is the term for when a pest invades a plant between the plant cells?

1. Extracellular

2. Intercellular

3. Intracellular

4. Subcellular

The correct answer is: Intercellular

The term used to describe when a pest invades a plant between the plant cells is intercellular. This refers to the spaces and structures that exist in the plant tissue outside of the individual cells, allowing for movement and interaction among cells without penetrating their membranes. In the case of pests, intercellular invasion typically involves organisms or pathogens that establish themselves in the spaces between plant cells, where they can access nutrients and trigger disease responses from the host plant. This invasive strategy can compromise the plant's health and lead to various physiological disruptions. The other terms relate to different cellular contexts: extracellular refers to the external environment outside the cells, while intracellular pertains to anything that occurs within the cell membrane itself. Subcellular describes structures falling within a cell but does not specifically account for the relationship between adjacent cells as intercellular does. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively diagnosing plant health issues and managing pest attacks.