What do you understand by the term turgor in plant cells? How do plant cells remain turgid for a considerable period of time? What happens to a plant if many of its cells lose turgidity? If an animal cell were subjected to the conditions that result in a plant cell becoming turgid, suggest what may happen to the animal cell - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2016

Plant cells remain turgid by taking in water through osmosis. As water enters the cell, it fills the central vacuole, which pushes the cell membrane against the cell wall, maintaining turgidity.

If many plant cells lose turgidity, the plant will begin to wilt or lose its rigidity. This can lead to drooping leaves and overall poor health of the plant.

If an animal cell is placed in conditions that cause it to become turgid, it may burst. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a rigid cell wall to withstand the pressure of excess water. When filled with too much water, the animal cell would lack the structural support to maintain its shape.

Diffusion is the movement of material from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.

An example of active transport occurs in the nephron of the kidney, where glucose is reabsorbed from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.