Question

A plant cell may burst when

• A. Turgor pressure equalizes wall pressure
• B. Turgor pressure exceeds wall pressure
• C. Wall pressure exceeds turgor pressure
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Turgor pressure exceeds wall pressure

The correct option is B:

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The turgor pressure is the amount of pressure that allows the cell to maintain its structure and shape whereas, wall pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell wall on the cell contents.
2. Normally, in a turgid cell, the turgor pressure is equal and opposite to the cell wall pressure.
3. The turgor pressure of a cell is increased when there is inflow of water into the cell due to endosmosis.
4. But when the turgor pressure exceeds the cell wall pressure, this will lead to bursting of the cell.

Final answer: The bursting of cell occurs when the turgor pressure exceeds the wall pressure.