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Johnleprekan
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Why do cell walls such as in an herb become brittle when dried? What is water doing exactly to hold it together before it was dried?
Cell walls become brittle due to a lack of moisture, which causes the cell wall to shrink and become less flexible. This can also be caused by damage to the cell wall, such as physical trauma or exposure to chemicals.
The brittleness of cell walls can greatly affect plant growth. It can lead to stunted growth, as the plant is unable to absorb enough water and nutrients due to the damaged cell walls. It can also make plants more susceptible to diseases and pests.
It depends on the severity of the damage to the cell walls. In some cases, plants can recover by producing new, healthy cells. However, if the damage is too extensive, the plant may not be able to recover and may die.
To prevent cell walls from becoming brittle, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels in the soil. This can be achieved through regular watering and mulching. It is also important to protect plants from physical damage and to avoid using harsh chemicals on them.
In some cases, the brittleness of cell walls can serve as a natural defense mechanism for plants. When under attack by pests or diseases, the cell walls may become brittle to prevent further damage to the plant. However, this is not a desirable condition for the plant in the long term.