Phyto-

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Biology prefixes and suffixes

bio-

phyto- / -phyte

The prefix phyto- is used to form words in botany; the purpose of this article is to provide a single point of reference for these terms.

[edit] List of botanical terms beginning phyto-

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Phytoaccumulation is the accumulation within a plant of substances from its environment
Phytoalexin is an antibiotic produced by plants that are under attack.
Phytochelatin is a metal-binding polypeptide that is formed in some plants exposed to high levels of heavy metals.
Phytochemical is any chemical or nutrient derived from a plant source (synonym: phytonutrient)
Phytochemist is a practitioner of phytochemistry (q.v.)
Phytochemistry is the study of phytochemicals (q.v.)
Phytochrome is a pigment that plants use to detect light.
Phytodegradation is the breaking down within a plant of substances taken from its environment
Phytoecdysone is a plant steroid that mimics an insect molting hormone. It serves as a defensive compound against insects.
Phytoestrogen is chemical produced by plants that acts like an estrogen in animal cells and bodies.
Phytoextraction is a phytoremediation (q.v.) technique involving uptake of substances from the environment, with storage in plants.
Phytoferritin is an iron-protein complex that plants use to store iron.
Phytogenesis is the origin and evolutionary development of plants.
Phytogeny is a synonym of phytogenesis.
Phytogeography is the branch of biogeography that is concerned with the geographic distribution of plant species, or more generally, plants.
Phytohormone is a plant hormone.
Phytolith is a rigid microscopic body that occurs in many plants, literally "plant stone."
Phytology is a synonym of botany, the study of plants.
Phytomere is a shoot developmental unit that is repeated as a shoot grows, it consists of a node with one or more leaves attached, the internode below the node and one or more lateral buds.
Phytoncide is an antimicrobial allelochemic volatile organic compound derived from a plant.
Phytonutrient is a synonym of phytochemical.
Phytopathology is the science of diagnosing and managing plant diseases.
Phytophage is an organism that derives its nutrition from eating plants, synonym of herbivore.
Phytophagy means "the eating of plants."
Phytoplankton means algal plankton
Phytoremediation means the use of plants to clean up sites that have been contaminated
Phytosanitary pertains to inspections aimed at preventing the spread of plant diseases and pests across borders, e.g. Phytosanitary Inspection Certificate.
Phytosiderophore is an iron chelating chemical produced by roots of grasses.
Phytosociology is the study of the characteristics, classification, relationships, and distribution of plant communities
Phytostabilisation is a phytoremediation (q.v.) technique involving reducing the movement or transfer of substances in the environment through the use of plants.
Phytosterol is a sterol that occurs naturally in a plant.
Phytostimulation is a phytoremediation (q.v.) technique involving enhancement of microbial activity for the degradation of contaminants, typically around plant roots.
Phytotelma or phytotelm (plural phytotelmata or phytotelms) is a constant, small pool of water held by a plant as in a hole in a tree trunk or where leaves form a cup. It forms a tiny aquatic ecosystem.
Phytotomy is study of the anatomy of plants, usually termed plant anatomy.
Phytotoxic see phytotoxin.
Phytotoxin is substance toxic to plants.
Phytotransformation is a phytoremediation (q.v.) technique involving uptake of substances from the environment, with degradation occurring within plants.
Phytotron is a completely closed greenhouse used for study of environmental conditions on plant growth.
Phytotropin is an auxin transport inhibitor that also inhibits root growth and prevent apical dominance, gravitropism and phototropism.
Phytovolatilization is a phytoremediation (q.v.) technique involving removal of substances from the soil or water by plants, with release into the air, possibly after degradation.
Phyto-rich food is a food rich in phytochemicals that are beneficial to human health.