Turgor pressure is the force exerted by the water inside a plant cell against its cell wall.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining the rigidity and structural integrity of plant tissues.
The pressure arises when water molecules move into the plant cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell.
When a plant is well-watered, its cells are full, leading to high turgor pressure and making the plant stand upright.
Conversely, when a plant lacks water, turgor pressure decreases, leading to wilting.
Turgor pressure is vital for plant growth as it drives cell enlargement.
It also aids in the opening and closing of stomata, tiny pores on plant leaves, regulating gas exchange.
The loss of turgor pressure in guard cells causes stomata to close, conserving water during dry conditions.
Turgor pressure is a key indicator of a plant's water status and overall health.
It is an essential physiological phenomenon that ensures plants remain firm and can adapt to changing environmental conditions.