The production of organic solutes by plants is a response to __________.

• A. water deficits
• B. oxygen deprivation
• C. heat stress
• D. herbivory
• E. salt stress

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that plants produce organic solutes as a mechanism to cope with environmental stressors.
2. Recognize that salt stress in plants leads to osmotic stress, which affects water uptake and cellular functions.
3. Learn that to counteract salt stress, plants synthesize organic solutes, also known as osmolytes, to maintain cell turgor and osmotic balance.
4. Identify common organic solutes produced by plants under salt stress, such as proline, glycine betaine, and sugars.
5. Consider how these organic solutes help stabilize proteins and membranes, protecting plant cells from the detrimental effects of high salinity.