Question

a student observes an animal cell and a plant cell, both placed in a hypotonic solution. the animal cell lyses (bursts), while the plant cell remains intact. what accounts for this difference in response, relating it to specific cellular structures and their functions in maintaining homeostasis?
a. animal cells lack a cell membrane, which is present in plant cells and prevents bursting
b. plant cells possess chloroplasts that actively pump out excess water, a function absent in animal cells
c. animal cells have a larger central vacuole that draws in more water, leading to bursting, while plant cells have smaller vacuoles
d. the rigid cell wall in plant cells provides structural support and prevents over - expansion, unlike animal cells which only have a flexible cell membrane

Explanation:

Plant cells have a rigid cell - wall made of cellulose. In a hypotonic solution, water enters both animal and plant cells by osmosis. Animal cells lack a cell - wall and only have a flexible cell membrane, so they can burst due to excessive water intake. Plant cells' cell - walls provide structural support and prevent over - expansion when water enters. Chloroplasts are for photosynthesis, not water pumping. Animal cells do not have a large central vacuole like plant cells.

Answer:

D. The rigid cell wall in plant cells provides structural support and prevents over - expansion, unlike animal cells which only have a flexible cell membrane.