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If water molecules become suspended among the substance's molecules, adsorbing substances can become physically changed, e.g. changing in volume, boiling point, viscosity or some other physical characteristic or property of the substance. For example, a finely dispersed hygroscopic powder, such as a salt, may become clumpy over time due to ...
In biology and ecology, desiccation refers to the drying out of a living organism, such as when aquatic animals are taken out of water, slugs are exposed to salt, or when plants are exposed to sunlight or drought. Ecologists frequently study and assess various organisms' susceptibility to desiccation.
A hygrophyte (Greek hygros = wet + phyton = plant) is a plant that inhabits moist areas and is intolerant of dry conditions. [1] The species may inhabit wet and dark forests and islands, dense swamps, and wet meadows. Within the group of all types of terrestrial plants, they are least resistant to drought. [2] [3]
A humectant / h juː ˈ m ɛ k t ən t / is a hygroscopic (water-absorbing) substance used to keep things moist. They are used in many products, including food, cosmetics, medicines and pesticides. When used as a food additive, a humectant has the effect of keeping moisture in the food. [1]
Schedorhinotermes termites use hydrophilic surfaces on body and wings to attach themselves to plants they colonize. A hydrophile is a molecule or other molecular entity that is attracted to water molecules and tends to be dissolved by water. [1] In contrast, hydrophobes are not attracted to water and may seem to be repelled by it.
A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness (desiccation) in its vicinity; it is the opposite of a humectant. Commonly encountered pre-packaged desiccants are solids that absorb water. Desiccants for specialized purposes may be in forms other than solid, and may work through other principles, such ...
Root mucilage is made of plant-specific polysaccharides or long chains of sugar molecules. [1] [2] This polysaccharide secretion of root exudate forms a gelatinous substance that sticks to the caps of roots. [3] Root mucilage is known to play a role in forming relationships with soil-dwelling life forms.
The substance covers the outside of, for example, unicellular or filamentous green algae and cyanobacteria. Amongst the green algae especially, the group Volvocales are known to produce exopolysaccharides at a certain point in their life cycle. It occurs in almost all plants, but usually in small amounts.