HYPONASTY Meaning and
Definition
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Hyponasty is a biological term used to describe the growth pattern of plant organs, most commonly leaves, where the upper surface of the organ curves downwards towards the ground. This downward curvature is opposite to the normal or erect growth position of the organ. The term "hyponasty" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning below and "nastos" meaning stretch.
Hyponasty is typically observed in response to external stimuli, such as changes in environmental factors including temperature, light levels, or the presence of certain chemicals. The downward curvature of plant organs, caused by increased growth on the upper side or reduced growth on the lower side, can occur as a result of differential cell expansion or changes in cell division rates. This growth response allows the plant to adapt to its surroundings by altering the orientation of its leaves or other organs.
The precise mechanisms involved in hyponasty are complex and can vary depending on the specific plant species and environmental conditions. However, hyponasty is generally considered to be an adaptive trait that enables a plant to improve its light capture, reduce water loss through leaf exposure, and optimize its photosynthetic efficiency. By adjusting the positioning of their leaves, plants can dynamically respond to changes in light availability and other environmental cues, ultimately maximizing their chances of survival and reproductive success.
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In botany, noting a condition of more vigorous growth on the under than on the upper surface, causing an upward curvature.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPONASTY
- gyponasty
- byponasty
- nyponasty
- jyponasty
- uyponasty
- yyponasty
- htponasty
- hgponasty
- hhponasty
- huponasty
- h7ponasty
- h6ponasty
- hyoonasty
- hylonasty
- hy-onasty
- hy0onasty
- hypinasty
- hypknasty
- hyplnasty
Etymology of HYPONASTY
The word "hyponasty" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "hypo" and "nasty".
The root "hypo" (ὑπο) means "under" or "below" in Greek. It often signifies a lower position, subordination, or lesser degree.
The root "nasty" (ναστός) is derived from the Greek word "nasis" (νάσις), which means "dull" or "unsharpened". It can also imply being thick or blunt.
The suffix "-y" is added to "nasty" to turn it into an adjective, forming "nasty" into "nasty-y". This suffix is commonly used to form adjectives and nouns from other words.
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