Question

bacterial cells can be treated in the lab to have the cell wall removed. if the cell membrane remains intact, the cells will take the shape of spheres that will hold their contents. what type of solution should the treated cells be placed into in order to make them burst? a) a solution that is hypotonic relative to the cells b) a solution that is isotonic relative to the cells c) none—bacterial cells cannot burst. d) a solution that is hypertonic relative to the cells

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane. In a hypotonic solution, there is a lower solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water and the cell maintains its shape. In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink. Bacterial cells without a cell wall will burst in a hypotonic solution due to water influx.

Answer:

A. a solution that is hypotonic relative to the cells