Turgor Pressure and Wall Pressure

Turgor pressure is an essential feature for the growth of hyphae. It is necessary as the cell is exposed to rupture if the surface is damaged. For this reason, it is essential for the regulation of plasma membrane and cell wall synthesis to control expansion. Therefore, Turgor pressure is usually exerted through fluids within the cell wall. The presence of turgor contributes to the rigidity of living plant tissues. On the contrary, wall pressure comprises majorly two contribution kinds. First, wall pressure refers to the pressure exerted on plant cells by the cell wall, equivalent to force oppositely directed towards turgor pressure. 

Turgor Pressure 

It pertains to pressure, which is exerted through fluid against the cell wall. It is commonly also called hydrostatic pressure. The stress of this liquid can be measured by calculating the density, gravity acceleration and fluid column depth. However, this measurement can only occur if juices are not moving and are in the rest position. 

In case the fluid pressure constitutes water, it is commonly called osmotic pressure. This is because of the influx along with semi-permeable membranes. This is also attributed to the fact that water will only dissolve where the concentration of solutions is more. 

When water moves from one area towards the other, it is water potential. The entry of water makes the cell turgid. Hence, the swollen area is referred to as turgidity. The turgor pressure is significant for the process of the plant.  

Turgor pressure will help the plant cell to be more firm and rigid. Although without the presence of turgor pressure, the plant cells will be more flaccid. Plants that are not composed of turgor pressure for a long time are likely to be wilting. 

Many researchers have indicated the importance of turgor pressure for stomata formation. It also helps to guard the cells by creating an opening to exchange gaseous elements. This opening further helps in photosynthesis, a vital function of living plants. The turgor pressure also helps in other functionalities of the plants, which are apical growth, dispersal of seeds and nastic movement. 

As per definition, turgor pressure is defined force, or pressure water exerts on the cell wall. The turgor pressure can be best explained through a balloon example. The balloon usually swells up when water is filled; water will have identical pressure on cell walls.

Wall Pressure

 Wall pressure refers to the force experienced on cell content from the stress of the wall. It is generally equivalent in tension while the direction is opposite from that of turgor. The expansion of osmotic systems occurs when force is exerted through the wall. 

In the turgor pressure, it was identified that cells expand due to pressure created by water on the cell wall. However, this pressure also makes a counter pressure on the cell contents, primarily fluid form. 

Turgor pressure is equivalent to wall pressure at the condition, which is called turgid. Hence, the magnitude of wall pressure is highly reliant on turgor pressure. However, the pressure is the opposite as the cell will resist turgor pressure, although the force magnitude is equal. 

Some of the salient features of wall pressure are 

• It will occur only in the confined mechanism
• It will work only on osmotic system expansion
• Hence, it will resist the pressure and work in the opposite direction from the turgor
• Wall pressure is beneficial for preventing cell bursts along with limiting expansion
• Wall pressure should be reduced frequently for cell growth

Turgor and Wall Pressure: Differences

The differences in turgor and wall pressure will help better understand the concepts. One of the most prominent differences is that turgor pressure is hydrostatic as it develops against the cell wall. Turgor occurs owing to the presence of endosmosis. On the contrary, wall pressure is the aftereffect of turgor pressure.

Conclusion 

Turgor pressure is developed by cytoplasm owing to the presence of endosmosis. At the same time, the wall pressure will be generated from the cell wall in resistance to turgor pressure. Endosmosis refers to water entering the cell. The water will enter the cell through the cell wall and membrane. As the water enters the cell, the cytoplasm within will expand. The continuous expansion of cells will create pressure which is called turgor pressure. The cells are made from cellulose issues; hence, they resist turgor pressure. Instead, the cell wall will generate pressure known as wall pressure. However, the pressure will be equivalent while in the opposite direction.