Apoplastic water movement
nounPronunciation: /ˌæpoʊˈplæstɪk ˈwɔːtər ˈmuːvmənt/
The transport of water through non-living cell wall spaces and intercellular air gaps rather than across cell membranes during water deficit conditions. This pathway becomes more significant under stress when symplastic transport is restricted.
Plain English
Water movement through plant cell wall spaces without crossing living cell membranes.
Etymology & History
Usage
"During severe drought, apoplastic water movement dominated hydraulic conductivity, as cell turgor loss restricted symplastic pathways."
Style guide notes: Use 'apoplast' when referring to the tissue region and 'apoplastic' for adjective form in water movement discussions.
Also known as
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apoplastic and symplastic water movement?
Apoplastic moves through cell walls; symplastic crosses membranes through plasmodesmata connections.
Why does apoplastic movement increase during drought?
Low cell turgor reduces symplastic flux, forcing water redistribution through the apoplast pathway.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Specialized topic in advanced hydraulic physiology and drought response mechanisms for graduate-level plant science assessments.
Required skill level: Expert