Plants have developed various structural defense mechanisms to protect themselves from threats like herbivorous animals and insects. These include modifications like thorns, spines, wax coatings, and cell walls. The cell wall provides rigidity through substances like lignin and cutin, and prevents germ entry. Cuticular wax deposits form a hydrophobic surface that repels water needed by pathogens. Thorns are modified branches, prickles develop from epidermal tissue, and spines are modified leaves or stipules. Some plants like the sensitive plant can also shrink their leaves rapidly to appear unappetizing. These diverse barriers strengthen plants and safeguard them from pathogens.