The Plant Microbiome - Quiz

Plants harbour millions of microbes on their surfaces and interact with soil bacteria through their root network. The world of plant microbiota supports the plant life cycle by influencing the use of water and nutrients. The identification of microbiome profiles of plants can give us greater knowledge for agriculture and ensure sustainable food security.
Did you know plants and microbes have a rich history together? Learn some quick facts on microbes in plants while solving these questions.
Question 1
Can a plant grow or bloom without microbes?
A
Yes
B
Yes, only in spring
C
No
Question 1 Explanation: 
Plants live together with a wide variety of bacteria and fungi both on their surface and in the root zone essential for their growth and bloom.
Question 2
Do plants have an immune system?
A
Yes, they have molecular detection and defence systems
B
Yes, but only when in optimal humidity
C
No, plants don’t have an immune system
Question 2 Explanation: 
Microbes coming onto a plant must adapt or die. Plants actively recruit microbes that help them against pathogens and nutrient extraction.
Question 3
What evokes the odour of flowers?
A
Bacteria and fungi produce aromatic compounds
B
Bacteria and fungi stimulate the plants’ production of aromatic compounds
C
Both
Question 3 Explanation: 
Professional perfume creators even culture microbes to produce certain scents.
Question 4
‘Good’ bacteria can make plants more resilient against…?
A
Drought and heat stress
B
Plant disease and salinity
C
All the above
Question 4 Explanation: 
Good bacteria on plants in the lab can increase yield and help fight diseases, making the need of chemicals or genetic modification unnecessary. However, many successful lab and greenhouse trials have flopped in the field.
Question 5
Can microbes be swapped between plant types and still have the same function?
A
Yes, same benefits are seen in unrelated species
B
Yes, but they have not the same functions
C
No
Question 5 Explanation: 
Microbes have little plant-microbe specify, since relocated species can counter-effect drought, nitrogen deficiency and salinity stress.
There are 5 questions to complete.

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