Biology – 3.2 Osmosis | e-Consult

Turgor pressure is crucial for plant rigidity. It acts like internal scaffolding, pushing the cell contents against the cell wall. This outward pressure makes the plant cells firm and prevents them from collapsing. The rigidity of the plant is directly related to the turgor pressure within its cells.

When turgor pressure decreases, the plant cells become flaccid. This happens when the plant loses water through transpiration or when the water potential in the cells is reduced. The loss of turgor pressure causes the cell contents to move to a lower concentration, reducing the pressure against the cell wall. As a result:

• The plant loses its rigidity and wilts.
• Leaves droop and become limp.
• The overall shape of the plant is altered.
• Photosynthesis can be reduced as the leaves are not in an optimal position for light absorption.