Question

Why is turgor pressure a property of plant cells? a. Plant cells possess the necessary chloroplasts. b. Plant cells possess a cell wall, necessary for formation of turgor. c. Plant cells possess mitochondria, which provide the ATP needed for turgor. d. All of the above are true. e. none of the above is true.

Short answer

The correct answer is option B: Plant cells possess a cell wall, necessary for formation of turgor.

Step-by-step solution

Enumerate the options

First let's go through each option and analyze whether or not it relates to turgor pressure.\n a. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells but have no direct role in generating turgor pressure.\n b. Cell walls are a unique feature of plant cells and do facilitate turgor pressure. The cell wall provides the needed resistance against which the water inside the cell can push to generate this pressure. \n c. Mitochondria provide ATP (energy) to plant cells, but this ATP is not specifically needed for generating turgor pressure.\n d. This option states that all of the above (a, b and c options) are true. But as we have seen, not all of those directly contribute to turgor pressure.\ne. This option states that none of the above is true which is incorrect as we have seen that option b is true.

Select the correct option

From the analysis above, we have found out that Option B: 'Plant cells possess a cell wall, necessary for formation of turgor' is the statement that aligns best with our understanding of the nature of turgor pressure.

Key concepts

Plant Cells

Plant cells are the fundamental units of life in plants. Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a few distinct features. These features include a rigid cell wall, large central vacuole, and organelles like chloroplasts and mitochondria, which make them uniquely equipped to perform photosynthesis, energy production, and maintain structural integrity.

These specialized cells help plants stand upright and grow towards the sunlight. Turgor pressure is a key contributor to the firmness and rigidity of plant cells, providing the necessary pressure exerted by the fluid inside the central vacuole against the cell wall. This pressure is what gives plants their firm structure and helps them maintain their shape, which is why it is a characteristic feature of plant cells.

Cell Wall

The cell wall is a defining feature of plant cells and plays an essential role in maintaining their structure and integrity. Composed primarily of cellulose, the cell wall is a sturdy yet flexible layer that surrounds the cell membrane.

• It provides shape and support to the plant cell, helping the plant maintain its structural integrity.
• The cell wall is crucial for turgor pressure as it offers something firm for the water within the cell to press against, creating the pressure needed for the plant to stand upright.
• It is porous, allowing water, oxygen, and other necessary substances to pass in and out of the cell.

Without the cell wall, the plant cells would be unable to maintain the turgid state necessary for supporting the plant's stem and leaves.

Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that facilitate the process of photosynthesis. These are known as the powerhouses for converting sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose. However, they do not have a direct role in turgor pressure.

• Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing sunlight.
• They are the sites where carbon dioxide and water are converted into sugars and oxygen, providing energy and food for the plant.
• While they are not directly involved in managing turgor pressure, the energy produced is crucial for overall cell function and plant health.

Understanding the role of chloroplasts is key to grasping how plants generate the energy required for various cellular processes.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are another important organelle found in plant cells, often known as the energy factories of the cell. They convert the sugars produced by chloroplasts into usable energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.

• While mitochondria produce ATP, which fuels numerous cellular activities, ATP is not directly needed for creating turgor pressure.
• Mitochondria ensure the cell has enough energy to perform its functions, including growth, repair, and reproduction.
• Their main role is in the broader landscape of energy provision for the plant, supporting its survival and health.

By providing energy through ATP, mitochondria support many vital functions but remain indirectly related to turgor pressure, primarily impacting the cell's overall vitality and functionality.