Multiple Choice
In a hypertonic solution, in which direction does water move through aquaporins (assuming the membrane is permeable to water but not to solute)?
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14. Solutions
Osmosis
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?
A
Water moves into the cells, the central vacuole swells, and the cells become turgid (firm).
B
Water moves out of the cells, the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall (plasmolysis), and the cells become flaccid.
C
There is no net water movement because hypotonic solutions have the same solute concentration as the cytoplasm.
D
Solute particles diffuse into the cells until the cell wall ruptures, with no significant water movement.
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 nature of the solution relative to the cell's cytoplasm: A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the cytoplasm inside the Elodea leaf cells.
Predict the direction of water movement: Since water moves from areas of low solute concentration to high solute concentration, water will move into the cells from the hypotonic solution.
Consider the effect on the plant cell structure: As water enters, the central vacuole swells, increasing turgor pressure against the cell wall, making the cells firm or turgid.
Recognize that plant cells resist bursting due to the rigid cell wall, so instead of rupturing, the cells become turgid, which is the typical response in a hypotonic environment.
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