Which of the following structural components provides turgidity to plant cells?

The correct answer is Vacuole.

Key Points

• The vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle found in plant cells that plays a key role in maintaining cell turgidity by storing water and solutes.
• Turgidity is crucial for plant cells as it helps maintain their shape and supports the plant's structure, allowing it to remain upright.
• The vacuole contains cell sap, a solution of water, enzymes, ions, and other molecules that generate osmotic pressure within the cell.
• When the vacuole is filled with water, it exerts pressure against the cell wall, known as turgor pressure, which keeps the cell rigid.
• A large central vacuole is a characteristic feature of mature plant cells, distinguishing them from animal cells, which typically lack large vacuoles.

Additional Information

• Cell Wall:
  • The cell wall is a rigid structure outside the cell membrane in plant cells, composed primarily of cellulose.
  • While it provides mechanical support, it does not directly contribute to turgidity but works in conjunction with the vacuole.
  • The cell wall enables the plant cell to withstand high internal pressure without bursting.
• Cytoplasm:
  • The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles.
  • It facilitates the transport of nutrients and waste products but does not play a direct role in turgidity.
• Osmosis:
  • Osmosis is the process by which water moves across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.
  • This process is essential for the vacuole to absorb water and generate turgor pressure.
• Plasmolysis:
  • Plasmolysis occurs when the vacuole loses water due to osmosis, causing the cell membrane to shrink away from the cell wall.
  • This process highlights the importance of vacuoles in maintaining turgidity in plant cells.