HAUSTORIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "haustorium" refers to a specialized organ or structure found in certain parasitic plants, fungi, and algae that allows them to invade and extract nutrients from the hosts they attach to. Derived from the Latin word "haustus," meaning "to draw or exhaust," haustorium is a vital adaptation that supports the survival and growth of these organisms.
In parasitic plants, haustoria typically develop as modified roots or stem structures that penetrate the host tissues. They establish a direct connection with the vascular system of the host, enabling the parasite to extract water, minerals, and organic compounds necessary for its own metabolism and growth. In this way, haustoria act as highly efficient nutrient absorption systems for the parasitic plants, facilitating their adaptation to a parasitic lifestyle.
Haustoria can also be observed in certain fungi and algae, particularly in mycorrhizal associations, where they function as specialized hyphal structures. These fungal haustoria form intimate associations with the roots of plants, creating a mutually beneficial relationship known as mycorrhiza. In this symbiotic interaction, the haustoria contribute to the exchange of nutrients between the plant and fungus, enhancing the plants' ability to absorb minerals and water from the soil, while enabling the fungi to acquire sugars and other essential organic compounds from the host.
Overall, haustorium is a crucial organ facilitating the absorption of nutrients necessary for the survival and growth of parasitic plants, fungi, and algae, enabling their successful exploitation of host organisms.
-
1. An organ for the absorption of nutriment. 2. In botany, the root or special organ of attachment and nourishment of a parasite.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
The sucker at the extremity of the parasitic root of dodder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HAUSTORIUM
- gaustorium
- baustorium
- naustorium
- jaustorium
- uaustorium
- yaustorium
- hzustorium
- hsustorium
- hwustorium
- hqustorium
- haystorium
- hahstorium
- hajstorium
- haistorium
- ha8storium
- ha7storium
- hauatorium
- hauztorium
- hauxtorium
Etymology of HAUSTORIUM
The word haustorium is derived from the Latin word haustor, which means drinker or sucker.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
