Question

Cell turgidity is caused by

• A. endosmosis
• B. exosmosis
• C. plasmolysis
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A endosmosis


Turgidity is a condition of a cell being fully distended due to endosmosis. The osmotic entry of water into a cell or a system when placed in pure water or hypotonic solution is called endosmosis (hypotonic solution is a solution having osmotic concentration lower than that of another solution).


Plasmolysis is the shrinking of protoplasm due to loss of water as a result of exosmosis. Exosmosis is the movement of water out of the cell. A hypertonic solution is one which has an osmotic concentration higher than that of another solution. So exosmosis takes place in the cell when the cell is kept under hypertonic solution.