turgor

views updated Jun 08 2018

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.

turgor pressure

views updated May 23 2018

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.

turgor pressure

views updated May 18 2018

turgor pressure See pressure potential.

turgor pressure

views updated May 11 2018

turgor pressure See PRESSURE POTENTIAL.

turgor

views updated Jun 08 2018

turgor The rigidity of a plant and its cells and organs, resulting from hydrostatic pressure exerted on the cell walls.

turgor

views updated May 14 2018

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

turgor

views updated May 23 2018

turgor (ter-ger) n. a state of being swollen or distended.