Abiotic Stress in Plants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to abiotic stress in plants, including definitions, effects, and physiological responses.

What is abiotic stress in plants?

Refers to the negative impact on plant growth, development, and productivity due to non-living environmental factors.

What are the primary physical stress factors affecting plants?

Temperature, osmotic strength of fluids, and photosynthetically active radiation.

What are some chemical stress factors for plants?

Nature of solute, mineral composition, and atmospheric imbalances such as salinity and toxic metals.

What crop experienced a 66% yield loss due to abiotic stress?

Corn.

Which abiotic stress factor is known to cause water potential reduction and cell dehydration?

Drought.

How do high temperatures impact plant physiology?

They can cause membrane destabilization and reduced respiration.

What is the consequence of photoinhibition in plants?

Inhibition of photosynthesis.

What happens to stomata during combined drought and heat stress?

Complete stomatal closure occurs.

What type of signaling is activated in response to abiotic stress?

Signal transduction pathways that involve receptor activation and changes in metabolism.

What is the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plants?

Converts superoxide anions into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen.

Name a compatible solute that helps plants cope with salinity stress.

Glycine betaine.

What impact does water stress have on leaf expansion in sunflowers?

Under mild stress, leaf expansion is completely inhibited.

What is the role of antioxidants like ascorbic acid in plants under stress?

They detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS).