p. 53719 Abiotic Stress
- Lincoln Taiz, Lincoln TaizUniversity of California, Santa Cruz
- Eduardo Zeiger, Eduardo ZeigerUniversity of California, Los Angeles
- Ian Max MøllerIan Max MøllerAarhus University, Denmark
- , and Angus MurphyAngus MurphyUniversity of Maryland
Abstract
This chapter explores how plants adapt and respond to abiotic stresses in the environment. Like all living organisms, plants are complex biological systems comprising thousands of different genes, proteins, regulatory molecules, signaling agents, and chemical compounds that form hundreds of interlinked pathways and networks. When exposed to unfavourable environmental conditions, this complex interactive system adjusts homeostatically to minimize the negative impacts of stress and maintain metabolic equilibrium. The chapter begins by distinguishing between adaptation and acclimation in relation to abiotic stress. It then describes the various abiotic factors in the environment that can negatively affect plant growth and development. Finally, the chapter considers the specific metabolic, physiological, and anatomical changes that result from signaling pathways and that enable plants to adapt or acclimate to abiotic stress.
