Question

Let’s suppose the solute concentration inside the cells of a plant is 0.3 M and outside is 0.2 M. If we assume that the solutes do not readily cross the membrane, which of the following statements best describes what will happen?a. The plant cells will lose a lot of water, and the cells will crenate.b. The plant cells will lose a little water, and the cells will expand.c. The plant cells will take up a lot of water, and the cells will undergo osmotic lysis.d. The plant cells will take up a little water, and the plasma membrane of the cells will slightly push against the cell wall.e. Both a and b are correct.

Answer 1

Given that the concentration of solute inside the cells of the plant is greater than the concentration outside, the water will go inside the cell to make the concentrations equal.

The concentration difference is small, so it will be just a bit of water, and the cell membrane will push against the cell wall.

This means the right option would be D. The plant cells will take up a little water, and the plasma membrane of the cells will slightly push against the cell wall.