HOLOPHYTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Holophytic is an adjective that refers to the ability of an organism, particularly plants, to synthesize their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Derived from the Greek words "holos" meaning whole, and "phyte" meaning plant, holophytic describes the autotrophic nutrition method whereby an organism is capable of producing organic compounds from inorganic substances with the help of sunlight.
Plants, as the primary examples of holophytic organisms, contain specialized structures called chloroplasts that house the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is then used in the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through a complex series of biochemical reactions. This process, known as photosynthesis, enables plants to manufacture their own energy-rich food, allowing them to grow, reproduce, and sustain themselves.
The ability to perform holophytic nutrition gives plants a significant advantage compared to other organisms that must rely on external food sources. It allows them to colonize and thrive in various environments, ranging from the humid rainforests to the arid desert. Holophytic organisms are vital contributors to the ecological balance as they participate in the carbon cycle, release oxygen, and provide sustenance for other organisms. Furthermore, they have significant importance in agriculture and human nutrition, providing us with a vast array of food, medicine, and raw materials.
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Exactly like a plant in metabolism or mode of obtaining nourishment; noting certain protozoans.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOLOPHYTIC
- golophytic
- bolophytic
- nolophytic
- jolophytic
- uolophytic
- yolophytic
- hilophytic
- hklophytic
- hllophytic
- hplophytic
- h0lophytic
- h9lophytic
- hokophytic
- hopophytic
- hooophytic
- holiphytic
- holkphytic
- hollphytic
- holpphytic
Etymology of HOLOPHYTIC
The word "holophytic" is derived from two Greek roots: "holos" meaning "whole" or "complete", and "phyton" meaning "plant". Thus, "holophytic" combines these two roots to form a term that describes an organism that is capable of producing its own food through photosynthesis.
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