Final answer:
Water entering plant cells in a hypotonic environment generates turgor pressure, which is critical for plant rigidity and growth. Insufficient water leads to a loss of turgor pressure, causing the plant to wilt. Turgor pressure maintains the structure and supports the growth of plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is a tendency for water to enter the plant cell, causing it to develop an internal turgor pressure that pushes against its surrounding wall. This pressure is essential for the maintenance of plant structure and support. When a plant cell is in a hypotonic environment, water enters the cell due to osmosis, raising the pressure inside the cell. This internal pressure counters the osmotic pressure and helps keep the plant cells rigid, a state known as being turgid. Turgor pressure is a vital factor in plant health; it helps in maintaining plant rigidity and is critical during plant growth. Lack of water or a hypertonic environment can lead to water leaving the plant cells, which results in a loss of this pressure and may cause the plant to wilt. Osmoregulation mechanisms help to manage this balance of water and pressure in plant cells and are crucial for plant survival and growth.