Question

Plant cells prefer to be in an environment with plenty of water. Consider how lettuce or spinach placed in water becomes firm and crisp. Why does this occur?

Answer 1

I think this is due to the plants ability to absorb water. So concentration increases inside the plant cell(s). Going from high \(\rightarrow\) low concentration.

Answer 2

It also has a lot to do with the added turgor pressure (rigidity) given by the absorption of the water into the plant's vacuole. Due to the cell wall's resistance to shear, the plant can remain especially rigid in highly aquatic conditions, whereas an animal cell would likely absorb excess water and lyse.