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Define the term enantiostasis - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 23
Define the term enantiostasis. Outline methods used by estuarine plants to maintain appropriate internal salt concentration.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define the term enantiostasis - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define the term enantiostasis.
Answer
Enantiostasis refers to the regulatory mechanisms that organisms employ to maintain homeostasis under variable environmental conditions. This often involves the dynamic balance of physiological processes to keep internal conditions stable despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Step 2
Outline methods used by estuarine plants to maintain appropriate internal salt concentration.
Answer
Estuarine plants utilize various methods for salt regulation to cope with their saline environments:
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Salt Excretion: Many estuarine plants, such as mangroves, have specialized glands that can actively excrete excess salt, thereby maintaining internal salt concentrations.
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Succulence: Some plants store excess salts in vacuoles, allowing them to accumulate water and prevent dehydration while also keeping salt concentrations manageable within their cells.