Understanding Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure
Turgor pressure and wall pressure are vital biological pressures that occur within plant cells. While they interact closely, they have distinct characteristics and effects that support plant growth and structure.
Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell's contents (primarily water) against the cell wall, resulting from water entering the cell via osmosis. It provides the cell with rigidity, helping the plant maintain its shape and stability.
Wall pressure is the counteracting pressure exerted by the rigid cell wall against the expanding cell contents. This pressure prevents excessive expansion and protects the cell from bursting.
Key Differences Between Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure
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FAQs on Differences Between Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure
1. What is the difference between turgor pressure and wall pressure?
Turgor pressure is exerted outward by cell contents, while wall pressure is the inward force exerted by the cell wall.
2. When does turgor pressure become equal to wall pressure?
Turgor pressure equals wall pressure when the cell reaches equilibrium, preventing further water influx.
3. What is turgor pressure also known as?
Turgor pressure is also known as hydrostatic pressure within plant cells.
4. What is wall pressure?
Wall pressure is the inward-directed pressure exerted by the cell wall against the expanding cell contents.
5. Can you differentiate between turgor pressure and osmotic pressure?
Turgor pressure is mechanical pressure exerted by cell fluids against cell walls, whereas osmotic pressure is the potential of water to move into a solution across a semi-permeable membrane.
6. What happens when turgor pressure exceeds wall pressure?
The cell continues to expand until equilibrium is achieved or until the cell wall restricts further expansion.
7. What increases turgor pressure?
Increased water uptake via osmosis increases turgor pressure.
8. What is the opposite of turgor pressure?
The opposite of turgor pressure is wall pressure, which opposes cell expansion.
9. What is the difference between turgor pressure and plasmolysis?
Turgor pressure maintains cell rigidity; plasmolysis is the shrinking of the cell membrane away from the wall due to water loss.
10. What is poor skin turgor?
Poor skin turgor refers to the skin's reduced elasticity, often indicating dehydration in humans, differing from plant turgor pressure.
