Turgid refers to the state of a plant cell when it is swollen and firm due to the accumulation of water within the central vacuole. In biology, this condition is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and rigidity of plant tissues.
When a plant cell takes up water through osmosis, the vacuole expands, pressing the cytoplasm against the cell wall. This pressure is known as turgor pressure, which helps the plant maintain its shape and resist wilting. Turgidity is essential for the growth and support of plants, as it allows them to stand upright and capture sunlight efficiently.
Conversely, if a plant cell loses water, it becomes flaccid, which can lead to wilting. Therefore, turgidity is a key factor in plant health and function.