A Level Biology Practice Exam

What characterizes the appearance of cells in a turgid state?

1. They are collapsed

2. They are swollen

3. They are shrunken

4. They are bursting

The correct answer is: They are swollen

In a turgid state, cells appear swollen due to the buildup of internal pressure from water within the vacuole. When plant cells take in water through osmosis, the vacuole expands, pushing against the cell wall. This pressure creates a firm and firm structure that supports the plant and keeps it upright. The rigidity of turgid cells is essential for the plant’s overall health and stability. Other options, like being collapsed or shrunken, describe cells in a flaccid or plasmolyzed state, where water loss leads to decreased internal pressure, causing the cells to lose their shape. Additionally, the term "bursting" typically refers to an extreme condition where excessive water intake leads to lysis, which is not characteristic of normal turgidity. Thus, the swollen appearance is what defines a turgid state, confirming that your answer is indeed correct.