Physiology (Greek phýsis = nature, lógos = teaching) is the study of the fundamentals of life processes, in particular the life processes and functions in an organism. These are the biophysical life processes in the cells, tissues and organs of all living organisms in the interaction of all physical, chemical and biochemical processes.
Plant physiology is the study of the life processes of plants with the central life process of photosynthesis (image). Further aspects are growth processes, differentiation of organs, reactions to environmental stimuli, transport of substances and communication between cells, tissues and organs. In the case of vines, there is the concept of physiological maturity, which is important for the grape harvest. In contrast, morphology (Greek morphé = shape, form) is the study of forms and characteristics and phenology (Greek phaíno = I appear) is the study of the seasonal appearance or development cycle of organisms. See also relevant keywords under grapevine.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien