What is the primary function of the hypersensitive response (HR) in plants?

A. To promote the spread of the pathogen through the plant.
B. To trigger rapid cell growth at the infection site.
C. To cause rapid death of infected plant cell, preventing the spread of the pathogen.
D. To increase the nutrients supply to the pathogens.

1 answer

The primary function of the hypersensitive response (HR) in plants is:

C. To cause rapid death of infected plant cell, preventing the spread of the pathogen.

The HR is a defense mechanism that involves the localized cell death around the infection site, which helps to limit the growth and spread of the pathogen.