Introduction

Plants are living organisms that require water to survive. Water is vital for several physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and cell expansion. In this article, we will discuss what happens to a plant cell when water enters it.

The Cell Wall

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. When water enters a plant cell, the rigid cell wall prevents the cell from bursting. The cell wall provides structural support to the plant, and it controls the amount of water that can enter and exit the cell. The cell wall is semipermeable, which means that only certain substances can pass through it.

Osmosis

Water moves into and out of plant cells by a process called osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. When a plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, where the concentration of water outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, water flows into the cell, causing it to expand. This expansion puts pressure on the cell wall, which prevents the cell from bursting. However, if too much water enters the cell, it can lead to cell death.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure generated by the influx of water into a plant cell is called turgor pressure. Turgor pressure is what gives plants their rigidity and firmness. This pressure is also essential for plant cells to perform their functions, such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. When a plant cell loses turgor pressure, it becomes flaccid, and the plant wilts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when water enters a plant cell, it moves across the semipermeable cell wall by osmosis, creating turgor pressure, which is vital for the plant cell's survival. The cell wall prevents the cell from bursting, and it controls the amount of water that can enter and exit the cell. Understanding what happens to a plant cell when water enters it is essential for understanding the physiology of plants and their survival in different environments.