Figure 2.

Graphical presentation of the hormesis concept. Dose-response curves showing the changes in biological responses to treatment (exposure level) with time (exposure time) in relation to a reference group (% control). Response that may refer to both beneficial and deleterious effects is calculated according to the formula: response = p_c/p_t × 100, where p_c is the mean value of the tested parameter (p) in the control group and p_t is the mean value of p in the treated group expressed in percentage. The regions of enhancement/improvement as well as adverse or toxic effects are also presented. Enhancement (plasticity) is the ability of organism to survive by the acclimatization to nascent conditions, while improvement (resilience) refers to organism recovering by quick repair of appearing damage. Modified from Agathokleous [105].