Multiple Choice
The ideal osmotic environment for an animal cell is a(n) ____ environment.
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14. Solutions
Osmosis
Multiple Choice
Elodea cells are placed in a hypertonic solution relative to their cytoplasm. Which outcome best describes what happens due to osmosis?
A
Solute diffuses into the cells until the internal solute concentration becomes higher than the external solution.
B
There is no net movement of water because the solution is isotonic to the cells.
C
Water moves out of the cells, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the cell wall (plasmolysis).
D
Water moves into the cells, making them swell and potentially burst (lysis).
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
Identify the type of solution relative to the cell: A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to the inside of the cell.
Predict the direction of water movement: Since water moves toward the higher solute concentration, water will move out of the Elodea cells into the hypertonic solution.
Explain the cellular effect: As water leaves the cells, the volume inside decreases, causing the plasma membrane to shrink and pull away from the cell wall, a process known as plasmolysis.
Conclude that solute does not diffuse into the cells to increase internal concentration, and water does not move into the cells or remain static because the solution is not isotonic.
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