Question

Differentiate between flaccid and turgid conditions.

Answer 1

Turgid condition:

The state of the cell being swollen as a result of a high fluid content inside the cell is referred to as the turgid state or turgidity.

Flaccid condition:

The flaccid state or flaccidity is referred to as the state of the cell between plasmolysis and turgidity in which the cell membrane is not pushed against the cell wall.

Turgidity	Flaccidity
1. A turgid state is achieved when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution.	1. A flaccid state is observed when the cell is placed in an isotonic solution.
2. Turgidity is caused by the inward movement of water molecules by the process of endosmosis.	2. Flaccidity is caused by either the inward or outward movement of water molecules by the process of endosmosis or exosmosis.
3. In a turgid state, no more water molecules can enter the cell.	3. In a flaccid state, there is no net movement of water molecules.
4. A turgid cell has a high water potential.	4. A flaccid cell has less water potential as compared to a turgid cell.
5. The cell membrane is pushed against the cell wall.	5. The cell membrane is not pushed against the cell wall.