Which term describes the mechanical pressure exerted by liquid, such as water?

Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a liquid due to the force of gravity acting on it. This pressure arises in a fluid at rest and is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid. It is particularly relevant in biological contexts, such as the pressure within blood vessels or plant cells, where water plays a critical role. In plants, for example, hydrostatic pressure generated by water uptake helps maintain cell turgor pressure, essential for structural support and growth.

The other terms provided relate to different concepts in biology. Hypertonic and hypotonic describe solutions with varying concentrations of solutes relative to another solution, affecting osmosis and cell water balance but not specifically referring to mechanical pressure. Hydrophilic describes substances that tend to interact well with water, indicating their affinity for water rather than mechanical pressure. Thus, hydrostatic pressure is the correct term that specifically captures the concept of liquid-exerted pressure.