Stomatal Closure Under Drought
noun phrasePronunciation: /stəˈmeɪtəl ˈkloʊʒər ʌndər ˈdraʊt/
The physiological process by which plants restrict water loss by narrowing or completely sealing stomatal apertures in response to reduced soil water availability. This response involves abscisic acid signaling and represents a critical trade-off between water conservation and carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis.
Plain English
Plants seal their leaf pores to conserve water during dry conditions, even though this reduces their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Stomatal closure under drought stress is one of the earliest adaptive responses observed in water-limited environments."
Style guide notes: Hyphenate as adjective before noun; always specify the stressor trigger (drought, heat, salinity).
Also known as
Contrasted with
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does stomatal closure help plants survive drought?
It reduces water loss through transpiration, preserving soil moisture reserves essential for plant survival and continued root function.
What triggers stomatal closure in drought conditions?
Abscisic acid (ABA) hormone signals guard cells to close when soil water potential drops, initiating rapid pore closure responses.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential for understanding plant physiological responses to water stress in drought tolerance assessment experiments.
Required skill level: Junior