Turgor

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turgor The condition in a plant cell when its vacuole is distended with water, pushing the protoplast against the cell wall. In this condition the force causing water to enter the cell by osmosis is balanced by the hydrostatic pressure (pressure potential) that has built up in the cell sap due to the pressure exerted by the cell wall on the protoplast (see also water potential). Turgidity assists in maintaining the rigidity of plants; a decrease in turgidity leads to wilting. Compare plasmolysis.

A Dictionary of Biology
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turgor pressure Hydrostatic pressure generated in cells of plants and bacteria as a result of the uptake of water by osmosis. Water diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane of the cell, causing the cell to swell; the increase in volume is resisted by the limited elasticity of the cell wall. When water is lost, a plant's cells collapse and it wilts.

World Encyclopedia
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turgor pressure See pressure potential.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY
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turgor pressure See PRESSURE POTENTIAL.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY
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turgor The rigidity of a plant and its cells and organs, resulting from hydrostatic pressure exerted on the cell walls.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY
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turgor The rigidity of a plant and its cells and organs resulting from hydrostatic pressure exerted on the cell walls.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY
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turgor (ter-ger) n. a state of being swollen or distended.

A Dictionary of Nursing