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Use and abuse of osmo‐terminology
Author(s) -
REED ROBERT H.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/1365-3040.ep11614591
Subject(s) - turgor pressure , osmoregulation , context (archaeology) , terminology , biology , botany , ecology , salinity , paleontology , linguistics , philosophy
Abstract The terminology currently employed in studies concerned with the osmotic responses of plant cells is reviewed with specific reference to (1) the suitability of expressions in general use and (2) the application of such terms to experimental studies. The widely used term osmoregulation is shown to be an inappropriate and misleading expression when used to describe the adjustments in cellular solute concentration which frequently accompany changes in external salt concentration. Such usage of osmoregulation should be discouraged; more suitable expressions (e.g. osmoacclimation, osmotic adjustment, turgor/volume regulation or turgor maintenance, osmoadaptation) should be employed, depending upon the context.