Question

during a lab, two students are discussing the best type of solution for a plant to thrive. student a claims: \i think plants do best in a hypotonic solution because water will enter the cells, keeping them firm and healthy.\ student b claims: \im not sure. maybe plants would do better in an isotonic solution since the water movement would be balanced and nothing would swell too much.\ which student correctly predicts how a plant cell responds to solutions? a student a is correct because plant cells have a central vacuole that causes them to dry up in a hypotonic solution. b student a is correct because plant cells have a rigid cell wall that allows them to stay turgid in a hypotonic solution. c student b is correct because isotonic solutions prevent any water from entering or leaving the plant cells. d student b is correct because plant cells would maintain their shape better in an isotonic solution.

Explanation:

Plant cells have a rigid cell - wall. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the plant cells. The cell - wall allows the cells to stay turgid. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water. Student A is incorrect as the central vacuole doesn't cause the plant to dry up in a hypotonic solution. Student B is correct because plant cells maintain their shape better in an isotonic solution as there is no excessive water gain or loss.

Answer:

D. Student B is correct because plant cells would maintain their shape better in an isotonic solution.