In the following schematic diagram of a cubic plant cell that has just left the meristem zone, the cellulose microfibrils are shown as black lines. In which direction (1 or 2) do you think the cell will elongate when the cell grows? If the cell wall is momentarily dissolved, in what direction (3 or 4) would water tend to flow?
A) 1; 3
B) 1; 4
C) 2; 3
D) 2; 4

Question

In the following schematic diagram of a cubic plant cell that has just left the meristem zone, the cellulose microfibrils are shown as black lines. In which direction (1 or 2) do you think the cell will elongate when the cell grows? If the cell wall is momentarily dissolved, in what direction (3 or 4) would water tend to flow? 
A) 1; 3 
B) 1; 4 
C) 2; 3 
D) 2; 4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orientation of cellulose microfibrils in the diagram favors growth, powered by turgor pressure, in the horizontal direction. Without the cell wall, water would flow into the cell, potentially bursting it open.

In the Following Schematic Diagram of a Cubic Plant Cell