Turgor vitalis is a term used in biology to describe the pressure exerted by the cell wall of a plant cell against its protoplast. It is pronounced as /ˈtɜːɡər vaɪˈteɪlɪs/ and spelled with the IPA phonetic symbols: /tɜːɡər/ for "turgor" and /vaɪˈteɪlɪs/ for "vitalis". The first syllable in "turgor" is pronounced as the vowel sound in "her", while "vitalis" has a long "i" sound followed by an unstressed "al" sound. The correct spelling and pronunciation of scientific terms are crucial for effective communication in the field of biology.
Turgor vitalis is a scientific term derived from Latin, which refers to the condition of turgidity or firmness displayed by living cells or tissues, resulting from the pressure exerted by the cell's contents against its cell wall. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of water within the cells, which is maintained by osmotic processes.
The concept of turgor vitalis is crucial in plant biology, where it plays a vital role in maintaining the overall structure and rigidity of plant tissues. When plant cells are properly hydrated, they become swollen, and their rigid cell walls prevent them from bursting. This state of turgidity allows plants to maintain their upright stature, support their leaves, flowers, and fruits, and efficiently transport water, nutrients, and metabolites throughout their tissues.
Turgor vitalis is primarily dependent on osmosis, the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. The concentration of solutes, such as ions and sugars, within the cell determines the osmotic pressure, as water moves into the cell to balance the solute concentration. This influx of water creates internal pressure against the cell wall, resulting in the maintenance of turgidity.
Turgor vitalis can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, and the availability of water. Conditions that lead to water loss, such as drought or extreme heat, can cause a decrease in turgor pressure, resulting in the wilting of plant tissues. Conversely, an excess of water uptake can cause cells to become overinflated, compromising their integrity.
In summary, turgor vitalis refers to the condition of turgidity exhibited by living cells or tissues, predominantly in
The normal fulness of the capillaries.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "turgor vitalis" is a Latin phrase.
The word "turgor" comes from the Latin word "turgēre", which means "to be swollen or swollen up". It refers to the state of being swollen or distended due to fluid accumulation. It is often used in biology to describe the pressure exerted by fluids inside plant cells, which helps to maintain their shape and rigidity.
The word "vitalis" is also derived from Latin, specifically from the word "vita", which means "life". It is used to convey the notion of something being related to or essential for life.
Therefore, the etymology of "turgor vitalis" suggests the concept of the vital or essential swelling or distension that is characteristic of living organisms, particularly in reference to the pressure exerted by fluids within plant cells.