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Multiple Choice
What prevents plant cells from bursting when they are placed in hypotonic surroundings?
A
Cell membrane
B
Vacuole
C
Chloroplasts
D
Cell wall
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
Identify the environment: In hypotonic surroundings, the external environment has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the plant cell, causing water to move into the cell.
Recognize the role of the cell wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support and prevents the cell from bursting as it swells with water.
Differentiate between cell structures: The cell membrane is flexible and does not prevent bursting, while the vacuole stores water and other substances but does not prevent bursting. Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and do not play a role in preventing cell bursting.
Conclude the protective mechanism: The cell wall is the key structure that prevents plant cells from bursting in hypotonic environments by providing mechanical strength and maintaining cell integrity.