Anaerobic respiration tolerance
nounPronunciation: /ænˌeɪroʊbɪk ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən ˈtɒlərəns/
The capacity of plant tissues to survive and maintain metabolic activity under hypoxic or anoxic conditions through fermentation pathways. This tolerance relies on efficient lactate and ethanol production to regenerate ATP and NAD+ when aerobic respiration is inhibited.
Plain English
Plants can survive in oxygen-poor environments like waterlogged soils by switching to fermentation to produce energy.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Rice cultivars with high anaerobic respiration tolerance survived 14-day submergence through enhanced alcoholic fermentation."
Style guide notes: Clarify 'anaerobic' vs. 'hypoxic' conditions; anaerobic means complete oxygen absence while hypoxic indicates low-oxygen stress.
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What fermentation products do plants produce anaerobically?
Ethanol and lactate are primary products; acetaldehyde accumulates as a toxic intermediate requiring detoxification.
Which crop plants show the highest anaerobic tolerance?
Rice, wheat, and maize adapted to wetlands show superior tolerance; aerobic crops like soybean are more sensitive.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Important in wetland crop breeding and flood tolerance screening programs assessing survival under waterlogging.
Required skill level: Mid