What happens to a plant cell when it becomes flaccid?

When a plant cell becomes flaccid, it loses water and thereby experiences a reduction in turgor pressure, which is the pressure of the fluid (usually water) within the vacuole exerting against the cell wall. Turgor pressure is essential for maintaining the rigidity and structure of the plant cell. When water is lost, the vacuole shrinks, and the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall, leading to a limp or flaccid state. This loss of rigidity can make the plant appear wilted or droopy as the cells are unable to maintain their firm shape.

In contrast, if the cell were to take in more water, it would become turgid. Division of the cell or gaining nutrients is not directly related to the flaccid state; these processes occur under different conditions within the cell.