* Cell Wall Structure: Plant cells have a tough, rigid cell wall made primarily of cellulose, which surrounds the cell membrane. This wall provides structural support and maintains the cell's shape.
* Turgor Pressure: When a plant cell is full of water, the pressure exerted by the water against the cell wall is called turgor pressure. This pressure helps maintain the cell's shape and keeps it rigid.
* Loss of Water: When a plant cell loses water, the turgor pressure decreases. While the cell does shrink slightly, the rigid cell wall prevents it from collapsing entirely.
* Plasmolysis: If the loss of water continues, the cell membrane can pull away from the cell wall, a process called plasmolysis. This can lead to wilting in plants.
In summary: While losing water affects the internal pressure and can lead to wilting, the rigid cell wall acts as a structural framework, preventing the plant cell from completely losing its shape.
