What occurs when there is excessive water in a part of the plant?

When there is excessive water in a part of the plant, the cells swell up due to a process called osmosis. Plants rely on water to maintain turgor pressure, which helps to keep their structures firm and upright. When there is an abundance of water, the cells absorb more water and expand, leading to increased turgidity.

However, while the swelling of cells is a natural response to the presence of water, it can also lead to issues if the water intake exceeds the plant's capacity to utilize it. This can result in stress on the plant from both too much water and reduced oxygen availability in the soil. Thus, while cell swelling is a characteristic response, it is important to consider the overall health of the plant in relation to water balance.