OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

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What does the term 'turgid' refer to in biological terms?

A cell filled with excess nutrients
A cell that has lost water
A cell swollen due to water intake
A cell that is undergoing division

The correct answer is: A cell swollen due to water intake

The term 'turgid' in biological context refers specifically to a cell that is swollen due to water intake, primarily observed in plant cells. When plant cells take up water through osmosis, the central vacuole expands, pushing the cytoplasm against the cell walls. This results in turgor pressure, which is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of plant tissues and helps support the plant, allowing it to stand upright. Turgidity is essential for plant health, as it contributes to processes such as nutrient transport and cell growth. The other options do not accurately describe the state of a turgid cell. A cell filled with excess nutrients does not necessarily indicate turgidity, as turgidity specifically relates to water content. A cell that has lost water would be in a flaccid state, not turgid, leading to wilting or drooping of the plant. Meanwhile, a cell undergoing division refers to a different cellular process entirely, unrelated to the water content or pressure state of the cell.