[Campbell Biology P.914] Which of the following best describes the two primary ways in which... | Practice Question

Which of the following best describes the two primary ways in which high salt concentrations in the soil negatively affect plants?

  • A: Lowering soil water potential, leading to water deficit, and increasing toxic ion concentration.
  • B: Increasing soil water potential, leading to waterlogging, and decreasing beneficial nutrient uptake.
  • C: Causing enzymatic denaturation and reducing photosynthetic efficiency.
  • D: Inducing membrane crystallization and inhibiting protein folding.

Explanation

The text states that an excess of salts in the soil threatens plants for two reasons: 'First, by lowering the water potential of the soil solution, salt can cause a water deficit in plants' and 'sodium and certain other ions are toxic to plants when their concentrations are too high.'