If placed in tap water, an animal cell will undergo lysis, whereas a plant cell will not. What accounts for this difference?
A) the expulsion of water by the plant cell's central vacuole
B) the relative impermeability of the plant cell wall to water
C) the fact that plant cells are isotonic to tap water
D) the relative inelasticity and strength of the plant cell wall

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relative inelasticity and strength of the plant cell wall prevent it from bursting or undergoing lysis when placed in tap water. The cell wall exerts an outward pressure, known as turgor pressure, that counteracts the influx of water into the cell. In contrast, animal cells lack a rigid cell wall and are more susceptible to bursting when exposed to hypotonic solutions like tap water.

If Placed in Tap Water, an Animal Cell Will Undergo