Why do plants wilt without water?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Turgor pressure drops in cells
Roots shrink from dryness — Wrong. Roots don't shrink significantly. Wilting happens because plant cells lose internal water pressure (turgor), causing stems and leaves to droop.
Sunlight damages dry plants — Wrong. Sunlight doesn't damage dry plants more. Wilting is mechanical—without water pressure (turgor) in cells, plants can't stay upright and droopy.
Turgor pressure drops in cells ✓ — Correct! Plant cells rely on turgor pressure—water pushing against cell walls—to stay rigid. When water is scarce, cells lose water, pressure drops, and plants wilt (droop). It's like a water-filled balloon deflating. Turgor pressure is important for structure! When rewatered, cells refill and plants become rigid again.