IGCSE Biology glossary
Flaccid
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The state of a plant cell that has lost some water so that the cytoplasm no longer pushes firmly against the cell wall. The cell is soft and limp but not plasmolysed. Flaccid cells cause wilting in plants.
What to include in an exam answer
Flaccid is the state between turgid and plasmolysed. An animal cell in the same conditions would be described as having 'lost water' or 'crenated', not 'flaccid'.
Example in context
Describe the appearance of a flaccid plant cell (2 marks): The cell membrane is not pressed tightly against the cell wall, the vacuole is smaller, and the cell is soft and limp.
Related syllabus topic
Movement into & out of cells