Question

Below are several different scenarios dealing with water potential. For each, determine if the conditions will result in an increase in turgor pressure or a decrease in turgor pressure?

1) Increase in turgor pressure
2) Decrease in turgor pressure

Answer 1

Increase in turgor pressure occurs when there is a higher water potential outside the cells compared to the inside, while a decrease in turgor pressure happens when there is a lower water potential outside the cells compared to the inside.

Step-by-step explanation:

Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the plant cells against the cell wall. An increase in turgor pressure occurs when there is a higher water potential outside the cells compared to the inside. This causes water to move into the cells, resulting in turgor pressure and keeping the plant erect.

On the other hand, a decrease in turgor pressure happens when there is a lower water potential outside the cells compared to the inside, causing water to move out of the cells, leading to wilting.