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Osmoconformers

Organisms that maintain internal osmolarity equal to their environment.

Osmoregulators

Organisms that actively regulate their internal osmolarity.

Hypoosmotic

Condition with lower solute concentration and higher free water concentration.

Hyperosmotic

Condition with higher solute concentration and lower free water concentration.

Water potential (Ψ)

A measure of water’s potential energy, determining the direction of water movement.

Turgor pressure

Pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall, maintained by water in vacuoles.

Transpiration

The loss of water vapor from plants through stomata.

Cohesion

The property that allows water molecules to stick to each other.

Adhesion

The property that allows water molecules to stick to other surfaces, like xylem walls.

Cavitation

Formation of an air bubble in xylem, blocking water flow.

Embolism

result of cavitation if the air bubble remains trapped, blocking water flow.

Stomata

Pores on the leaf surface that allow for gas exchange and transpiration.

Abscisic acid (ABA)

A hormone that signals stomata closure during drought stress.

Tracheids

Narrow xylem cells that transport water slowly.

Vessel elements

Wide xylem cells that allow for efficient water transport.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants use water and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen.