Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Ion homeostasis disruption

noun phrase

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪɒn ˌhoʊmiˈoʊsteɪsɪs dɪsˈrʌpʃən/

The impairment of cellular mechanisms that maintain balanced concentrations of essential ions (potassium, calcium, sodium) across cell membranes under abiotic stress conditions. Disruption leads to ionic toxicity, osmotic imbalance, and cellular dysfunction.

Plain English

The breakdown of a plant cell's ability to maintain proper salt and mineral balance when stressed, causing toxic buildup.

Etymology & History

Origin languageGreek, Latin
Rootion (wanderer) + homoios (same) + stasis (standing) + disruptus (broken)
First recorded use1970s
Usage frequencyCommon

Usage

"Salinity stress causes ion homeostasis disruption, allowing toxic sodium accumulation in leaves and reducing photosynthetic capacity."

Style guide notes: Specify which ions are affected when discussing homeostasis disruption.

Also known as

ionic imbalance ion dysregulation cellular ion derangement

Contrasted with

ion homeostasis maintenance ionic equilibrium

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How does salinity cause ion homeostasis disruption?

High external sodium concentration overwhelms transport systems, causing sodium influx and potassium loss from cells.

What are consequences of ion homeostasis failure?

Ion toxicity damages proteins and membranes, osmotic stress reduces water uptake, and photosynthesis becomes impaired.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Fundamental for understanding salt stress tolerance and developing salt-resistant crop varieties.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON