Page 117 - Photosynthesis: The Green Miracle

Harun Yahya

gressors are forced to give way as the level of the chemical rises. Some
leaves are able to engage in enough production to carry 120 milligrams of
nicotine for every gram of leaf tissue—an amount greater than that con-
tained in 100 unfiltered cigarettes. 51
Some plants identify which caterpillar is eating them by reacting to
the secretions they give off and make the appropriate response to the spe-

cies of caterpillar concerned. Maize, cotton and sugar beet leaves call in
help from the outside against the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). The
alarm signal they emit is the work of a superior intelligence. When the
leaves detect the substance known as volicitin in the insect’s saliva, they
give off the soluble compounds indole and terpene: These scents mix with
the air and attract wasps (Cotesia marginiventris) that hunt parasites. Or
when a leaf is damaged, it emits a substance known as methyl jasmonate,
produced by the defense genes. Neighboring leaves then detect this sub-
stance and begin producing other chemicals that will halt the insects’ at-

tack, or else attract predators. For example, whenever any of the leaves of
the horse bean (Vicia faba) are damaged, the neighboring leaves begin to
emit compounds that attract predatory
insects that feed on leaf mites. In this
way they rid themselves of enemies by
calling in assistance from the outside. 52

When corn is attacked by caterpillars, it pro-
duces chemicals that call wild bees to its as-
sistance. This responsiveness exhibited by
plants does not, of course, belong to them.
The plant applies a technique taught to it
by Allah.

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