Celery stalks that are immersed in freshwater for several hours become stiff. Similar stalks left in a 0.15 M salt solution become limp. From this we can deduce that the freshwater ________.
A) and the salt solution are both hypertonic to the cells of the celery stalks
B) and the salt solution are both hypotonic to the cells of the celery stalks
C) is hypotonic and the salt solution is hypertonic to the cells of the celery stalks
D) is hypertonic and the salt solution is hypotonic to the cells of the celery stalks
E) is isotonic and the salt solution is hypertonic to the cells of the celery stalks

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When celery stalks are immersed in freshwater for several hours, the water moves into the cells by osmosis, causing the cells to swell and become stiff. This indicates that the freshwater is hypotonic to the cells of the celery stalk. On the other hand, when celery stalks are left in a 0.15 M salt solution, water moves out of the cells by osmosis, causing the cells to shrink and the stalk to become limp. This indicates that the salt solution is hypertonic to the cells of the celery stalk. Therefore, the freshwater is hypotonic and the salt solution is hypertonic to the cells of the celery stalk, making choice C the best option.

Celery Stalks That Are Immersed in Freshwater for Several Hours