DETAILS OF AQUEOUS-SALT EXCHANGE IN PLANTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF SALT STRESS

A concept of the multiple effects of salt stress and related mechanisms of salt resistance in plants was formulated. A literature review was made, contrasting the salt resistance mechanisms of halophytes and glycophytes with halophytes being considered as natural model for salt resistance. Mechanisms at various levels include molecular (resistant proteins and enzymes), cellular (impermeable selective membranes), plant part, and organism (sodium decrement in xylem). The substantial role played by mechanisms at the cellular and organism level is emphasized for glycophytes. The sequence of events which occurs during abrupt salt stress is described using the available literature on halophytes. A preference for one mechanism of salt resistance in halophytes, and for joint involvement of several "weak" mechanisms in glycophytes is demonstrated.