Multiple Choice
In osmosis, which molecules can flow freely across the semipermeable membrane?
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6. The Membrane
Osmosis
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What happens to plant cells when they are placed in a high salt (10%) solution?
A
They swell and may burst due to water intake.
B
They actively pump salt out to maintain homeostasis.
C
They lose water and undergo plasmolysis.
D
They remain unchanged because the cell wall protects them.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
Recognize the environment: A high salt (10%) solution is hypertonic compared to the internal environment of the plant cell, meaning the external solution has a higher solute concentration than the cytoplasm of the cell.
Analyze the water movement: In a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the plant cell through osmosis to balance the solute concentration between the inside and outside of the cell.
Understand the effect on the plant cell: As water leaves the cell, the vacuole shrinks, and the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall, a process known as plasmolysis.
Conclude the outcome: Plasmolysis leads to the plant cell losing turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the cell's rigidity and structure.
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