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Symplastic growth and symplasmic transport
1Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Plant Physiology
|December 1, 1986
Summary
The term "symplastic" is used for two distinct concepts: growth and transport. To improve clarity, we propose using "symplastic" for growth and "symplasmic" for transport processes.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Cellular transport
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The term "symplastic" currently has dual meanings in scientific literature.
- This ambiguity exists between its use in describing symplastic growth and symplastic transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the terminological confusion surrounding the adjective "symplastic."
- To propose a clear distinction in terminology for plant science.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current usage.
- Analysis of definitions for symplastic growth (Priestley) and symplastic transport (Münch).
Main Results:
- "Symplastic" is currently applied to both growth deformation and transport through the symplast.
- A need for distinct terms to differentiate these two concepts has been identified.
Conclusions:
- Recommend reserving "symplastic" exclusively for growth deformation.
- Propose using "symplasmic" to refer to transport through the symplast.
- Suggest using "apoplasmic" for transport through the apoplasm.
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