Flaccid - GCSE Biology Definition

In GCSE Biology, the term "flaccid" is used to describe a plant cell that has lost water and become limp. This happens because the water inside the cell moves out into the surrounding environment, usually when the fluid outside the cell has a lower water concentration than inside. When plant cells are flaccid, they no longer push against each other or the cell wall, and this causes the plant to wilt. This process is the opposite of being turgid, where the cells are full of water and firm, helping the plant to stay upright. Understanding the concept of flaccid cells is important when studying how plants balance water uptake and loss to survive.