PLASMOTROPISM Meaning and
Definition
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Plasmotropism is a biological phenomenon defined as the directed movement or growth response of protoplasmic cells or organisms towards a specific stimulus or in a particular direction. In plasmotropism, the protoplasmic streaming or cytoplasmic flow within the cell or organism is directed towards the stimulus, resulting in a physical movement.
This phenomenon is commonly observed in unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and protists, where they exhibit positive plasmotropism towards various external stimuli. For instance, some bacteria move towards nutrients or chemicals that act as attractants, showing a positive plasmotropism response. Similarly, protists can display plasmotropism towards light, heat, or certain chemical substances that act as signals for their growth or movement.
In higher plants, plasmotropism is also observed during certain growth processes. For example, in the formation of root hairs, plasmotropism plays a crucial role in guiding the elongation and directional growth of the developing hair cells towards the root surface. The cytoplasmic flow within the root hair cells is directed towards the tip, allowing the cell to elongate in that direction.
Overall, plasmotropism is an essential biological process that enables cells or organisms to respond and move in a directed manner towards specific stimuli, ultimately aiding in their growth, survival, and overall functionality.
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A condition in which the bone-marrow, spleen, and liver contain markedly hemolytic bodies which cause the destruction of the erythrocytes, these remaining, however, unchanged while in the general circulation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLASMOTROPISM
- olasmotropism
- llasmotropism
- -lasmotropism
- 0lasmotropism
- pkasmotropism
- ppasmotropism
- poasmotropism
- plzsmotropism
- plssmotropism
- plwsmotropism
- plqsmotropism
- plaamotropism
- plazmotropism
- plaxmotropism
- pladmotropism
- plaemotropism
- plawmotropism
- plasnotropism
- plaskotropism
- plasjotropism
Etymology of PLASMOTROPISM
The word "plasmotropism" is derived from two parts: "plasmo-" and "-tropism".
The prefix "plasmo-" comes from the Greek word "plasma", meaning "something molded or formed". In biology, "plasma" refers to the fluid portion of the blood or the protoplasm of a cell.
The suffix "-tropism" also originates from Greek, specifically from the word "tropos", which means "turn" or "direction". In biology, "tropism" refers to the movement or orientation of an organism or cell in response to a specific stimulus or environmental factor.
Combining these two parts, "plasmotropism" refers to the directional movement or orientation of protoplasm within a cell or an organism.
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