Question

In which condition plant cells become flaccid?

Answer 1

Hint: Flaccid plant cell refers to a condition in which the plasma membrane is not pressed tightly against the cell wall. The plant cell becomes flaccid due to the behavior of the plant cells with regard to water movement depending on the surrounding solution.

Complete answer:
> When the external solution balances the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm it is known as an isotonic solution. In this type of solution, there is the movement of the water molecules but the rate of movement is the same from both the direction thus creating a balance in the movement of water between the outside of the cell as well as inside of the cell.

> When the plant cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net flow of water towards the outside or inside. The external solution equals the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm. When the flow of water into the cell and out of the cell exists in equilibrium then the plant cells are said to be flaccid.

> The plant in this condition is flaccid (becomes soft). It does not remain plasmolyzed or swollen.

Thus, the condition in which a plant cell becomes flaccid is when it is kept in an isotonic solution.

Note: There are three different types of solutions and all three have a different impact on the plant cell due to osmosis. In an isotonic solution, the plant cells become flaccid. In a hypertonic solution, the plant cells shrink or become plasmolyzed. In a hypotonic solution, the explant cell becomes turgid (it will swell up).