Question

a student is investigating how plant cells maintain homeostasis through molecular transport. she places a plant cell in one hypotonic solution. she also places an animal cell in another hypotonic solution. the two cells react differently to this environment. what happens to the plant cells plasma membrane? a) it will shrink. b) it will swell and burst. c) it will stay the same. d) it will swell but not burst.

Explanation:

Plant cells have a cell wall. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the plant cell by osmosis. The cell wall exerts turgor pressure, preventing the cell from bursting. So, the plasma - membrane swells but the cell doesn't burst.

Answer:

D) It will swell but not burst.