Suppose that a living plant cell is placed in a beaker with a solution that has a ψ value lower than the ψ value of the plant cell. What will happen to the plant cell?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The plant cell will lose water until its ψ value equals the ψ value of the solution. This is because the solution has a lower ψ value, meaning it has higher solute concentration, and water will move from areas of high water potential (inside the cell) to areas of low water potential (outside the cell) through osmosis. As water leaves the cell, its volume will decrease and it may wilt or shrivel.

Suppose That a Living Plant Cell Is Placed in a Beaker