Here is a sketch of a plant cell placed into a solution....

Here is a sketch of a plant cell placed into a solution. Which of the following is correct? (A) The solution is hypotonic to the cell, and the cell will swell and burst. (B) The solution is hypotonic to the cell, and the cell will become turgid. (C) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, but nothing will happen to the cell. (D) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, and the cell will shrink. (E) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, and the cell will swell.

Here is a sketch of a plant cell placed into a solution. Which of the following is correct?
(A) The solution is hypotonic to the cell, and the cell will swell and burst.
(B) The solution is hypotonic to the cell, and the cell will become turgid.
(C) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, but nothing will happen to the cell.
(D) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, and the cell will shrink.
(E) The solution is hypertonic to the cell, and the cell will swell.

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Key Concepts

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is crucial in maintaining the balance of water inside and outside of cells, affecting how cells gain or lose water when placed in different solutions.

Tonicity

Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes in the solution compared to the inside of a cell. This concept determines the direction of water movement during osmosis. A solution can be isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic relative to the cell's interior, each leading to distinct cellular responses.

Hypertonic and Hypotonic Solutions

In a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside, causing water to enter the cell and possibly making it swell. In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration is higher outside the cell, leading to water leaving the cell and causing it to shrink.

Turgor Pressure

Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells. When water enters the cell in a hypotonic environment, the cell becomes turgid, a state that is vital for maintaining the plant's structure and rigidity.

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