Cucumber seedlings were studied to see how they grow and function when exposed to different amounts of salt. The researchers found that as the salt levels increased, the seedlings' ability to photosynthesize and use water decreased. The higher salt concentrations also caused damage to the cell membranes and increased certain substances in the plants. Seedlings exposed to the highest salt levels had stunted growth and lower survival rates. Overall, low salt levels had little effect, moderate levels decreased plant growth, and high levels were harmful to the seedlings.