What would happen if a cell loses its turgor pressure?

What would happen if a cell loses its turgor pressure?

• A. The cell would become rigid and strong
• B. The cell would become shriveled and may die
• C. The cell would function more effectively
• D. The cell would remain unchanged

Answer: (B)

When a cell loses its turgor pressure, it is primarily due to a loss of water from the central vacuole, which leads to a decrease in the pressure exerted on the cell wall. Turgor pressure is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of plant cells, as it helps to keep the cell firm and upright. When this pressure decreases, the cell becomes flaccid and can start to shrivel, resulting in a wilting effect. This condition can lead to the collapse of the cellular structure and, if not remedied, may eventually result in cell death. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the consequences of losing turgor pressure. For instance, any suggestion that the cell becomes more rigid or functionally more effective does not align with the physiological consequences of a loss in turgor pressure. Instead, it disrupts the normal cellular functions and can hinder growth and nutrient uptake. Therefore, the observation that a cell becomes shriveled and may die is the most precise representation of the outcomes associated with losing turgor pressure.

When a cell loses its turgor pressure, it is primarily due to a loss of water from the central vacuole, which leads to a decrease in the pressure exerted on the cell wall. Turgor pressure is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of plant cells, as it helps to keep the cell firm and upright. When this pressure decreases, the cell becomes flaccid and can start to shrivel, resulting in a wilting effect. This condition can lead to the collapse of the cellular structure and, if not remedied, may eventually result in cell death.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the consequences of losing turgor pressure. For instance, any suggestion that the cell becomes more rigid or functionally more effective does not align with the physiological consequences of a loss in turgor pressure. Instead, it disrupts the normal cellular functions and can hinder growth and nutrient uptake. Therefore, the observation that a cell becomes shriveled and may die is the most precise representation of the outcomes associated with losing turgor pressure.