Multiple Choice
Elodea leaf cells are placed in a hypotonic solution relative to their cytoplasm. Which outcome is most consistent with osmosis in plant cells?
8
views
14. Solutions
Osmosis
Multiple Choice
In osmosis, which situation describes an isotonic solution relative to a cell?
A
The solution contains no solute, so water always moves out of the cell.
B
The solute concentration outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, so water moves out of the cell.
C
The solute concentration outside the cell is equal to the solute concentration inside the cell, so there is no net movement of water.
D
The solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, so water moves into the cell.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: it is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
Define isotonic solution: an isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water across the cell membrane.
Analyze the options by comparing solute concentrations inside and outside the cell to determine the direction of water movement.
Recognize that if the solute concentration outside the cell equals the solute concentration inside the cell, water molecules move equally in both directions, so there is no net movement.
Conclude that the correct description of an isotonic solution relative to a cell is when the solute concentration outside the cell is equal to the solute concentration inside the cell, causing no net water movement.
Related Videos
Related Practice
