Question

Explain the term turgor pressure.

Answer 1

Turgor pressure: It is the pressure exerted by the protoplasm against the cell wall inside the cell.

The term turgor comes from the Latin word turgēre, meaning “to be swollen”. The term pressure comes from the Latin word pressūra, meaning “to press”. It is also known as hydrostatic pressure.

Role of turgor pressure:

1. Turgor pressure is the key to the plant’s vital processes. It makes the plant cell stiff and rigid. Without it, the plant cell becomes flaccid. Turgor pressure is also important in stoma formation.
2. Turgor pressure balances the wall pressure and osmotic pressure, as there is no absorption of water even when the concentration of solutes inside the cell may be greater than outside.