When a plant cell, such as one from a peony stem, is submerged in a very hypotonic solution, what is likely to occur?
A) The cell will burst.
B) The cell membrane will lyse.
C) Plasmolysis will shrink the interior.
D) The cell will become flaccid.
E) The cell will become turgid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a plant cell is submerged in a hypotonic solution (lower concentration of solutes), water will move into the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to expand and become turgid. This is because the plant cell has a cell wall that prevents it from bursting or lysing, unlike animal cells. Plasmolysis occurs when a plant cell is in a hypertonic solution (higher concentration of solutes), causing the cell to lose water and shrink. Flaccid occurs when a plant cell is in an isotonic solution (equal concentration of solutes), causing no net movement of water in or out of the cell.

When a Plant Cell, Such as One from a Peony