When a plant cell is placed in a HYPOTONIC solution, which of the following is likely to happen?
A The cell will become flaccid.
B Plasmolysis will occur.
C The cell will lyse.
D The cell will burst.
E The cell will become turgid
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is E: The cell will become turgid.
Explanation:
A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. When a plant cell is placed in such a solution, water enters the cell through osmosis (movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration).
In the case of plant cells, they have a rigid cell wall that provides structural support and helps resist excessive water intake. As water enters the cell, the central vacuole (which stores water) fills up, causing the cell to swell. However, because the cell wall provides resistance, the plant cell does not burst. Instead, it becomes turgid. This means the cell becomes firm and fully expanded, exerting pressure against the cell wall, known as turgor pressure.
Turgidity is important for plant cells because it helps maintain the structural integrity of the plant. It also helps keep the plant upright and allows the plant to grow and function effectively. The process of becoming turgid is beneficial for the plant as it provides structural support, preventing wilting or collapsing under its own weight.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- A: The cell will become flaccid: Flaccidity happens when a plant cell is in an hypertonic solution (where the external concentration of solutes is higher), causing water to leave the cell, leading to a loss of turgor pressure.
- B: Plasmolysis will occur: Plasmolysis occurs when a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall as water leaves the cell.
- C: The cell will lyse: Lysis is a term that refers to the breaking or rupturing of a cell, which is more common in animal cells placed in a hypotonic solution (since they lack a cell wall).
- D: The cell will burst: While animal cells may burst in hypotonic solutions due to the lack of a cell wall, plant cells are protected by their rigid cell walls and will not burst in a hypotonic solution.
Therefore, when a plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it becomes turgid, maintaining the cell’s structural integrity and supporting plant functions.