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Multiple Choice
What is most likely to happen to celery stalks that are immersed in fresh water?
A
They will remain unchanged because osmosis does not occur in plant cells.
B
They will lose chlorophyll and turn white.
C
They will wilt because water leaves the cells by osmosis.
D
They will become stiff and firm due to water entering the cells by osmosis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Recognize the structure of plant cells: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall and a central vacuole that can store water. When water enters the cell, the vacuole expands, exerting pressure on the cell wall, making the cell stiff and firm.
Analyze the environment: Fresh water has a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of the celery cells, creating a hypotonic environment.
Predict the movement of water: Water will move into the celery cells by osmosis because the solute concentration inside the cells is higher than in the fresh water.
Conclude the effect on celery stalks: As water enters the cells, the increased turgor pressure will cause the celery stalks to become stiff and firm.