Difference between Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure

Turgor pressure and wall pressure are two terms used to describe the pressure within plant cells. These two types of pressure play an important role in maintaining the shape and structure of plant cells.

The main difference is that turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell sap against the cell wall while wall pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell wall against the cell sap.

Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure:

  • Turgor Pressure: Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell sap against the cell wall. It is responsible for maintaining the shape and structure of plant cells. Turgor pressure is created by the osmotic concentration difference between the cell sap and the external environment.
  • Wall Pressure: Wall pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell wall against the cell sap. It is the result of the mechanical strength of the cell wall and the pressure created by turgor pressure. The combination of turgor pressure and wall pressure helps to maintain the shape and structure of plant cells.

Turgor Pressure vs Wall Pressure

Now, let’s move to Turgor Pressure vs Wall Pressure:

Major differences between Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure

Turgor Pressure Wall Pressure
Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell sap against the cell wall. Wall pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell wall against the cell sap.
Turgor pressure is created by the osmotic concentration difference between the cell sap and the external environment. Wall pressure is created by the mechanical strength of the cell wall and turgor pressure.
Turgor pressure is responsible for maintaining the shape and structure of plant cells. Wall pressure helps to reinforce the shape and structure of plant cells.
Turgor pressure is affected by the water content of the cell sap. Wall pressure is affected by the mechanical strength of the cell wall.
Turgor pressure increases when cells take in water. Wall pressure remains constant.

 

That’s it.

Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure”.

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Final words

While turgor pressure is responsible for maintaining the shape and structure of plant cells, wall pressure helps to reinforce the shape and structure of plant cells. Understanding the difference between turgor pressure and wall pressure is important for anyone studying the structure and function of plant cells.

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