Concept explainers
CAUTION A cell is placed in a solution that is hypotonic to the cell. Which of the following best describes movement of water in this situation?
a. Water will only flow into the cell.
b. Water will only flow out of the cell.
c. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be out of the cell.
d. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be into the cell.
Introduction:
A hypotonic solution is a solution containing low solute concentration in the cell’s exterior in comparison to cell’s interior.
Answer to Problem 1TYK
Correct answer:
The water will flow inside and outside of the cell when it is placed in a hypotonic solution. The overall movement of the water will be into the cell from the solution present outside.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:
Option (d) is given that when the cell is kept in a hypotonic solution, the water will flow inside the cell as well as out of the cell. The net movement of the water will be into the cell. The cell kept in the hypotonic solution will cause movement of H2O (water) in both directions; however, the water will move more from a higher H2O concentration to a lower water concentration to achieve equilibrium. Hence, Option (d) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answer:
Option (a) is given that when the cell is kept in a hypotonic solution, the water will only flow into the cell. In this case, the cell will burst due to excess amount of solvent inside the cell. Thus, to prevent this, the water will flow out also after equilibrium state. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (b) is given that when a cell is kept in a hypotonic solution, the water will only flow out of the cell. The solvent molecules always move from their higher concentration region to their lower concentration region. The water will flow inside instead of outside the cell, as the concentration of solvent (H2O) molecules is more in the solution. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c) is given that when a cell is kept in a hypotonic solution, the water will flow into the cell as well as out of the cell. The net movement of the water will be out of the cell. In this case, the cell will shrink in size and later die off. So, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.
Thus, water will flow both into the cell and out of the cell. However, the overall movement will be inside the cell from the solution.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 35 Solutions
Biological Science (6th Edition)
- How is a protein destined for the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), imported into the ER? Be concise.arrow_forwardFind out about the organisations and the movements aimed at the conservation of our natural resources. Eg Chipko movement and Greenpeace. Make a project report on such an organisation.arrow_forwardWhat are biofertilizers and mention the significancearrow_forward
- PCBs and River Otters: Otters in Washington State’s Green-Duwamish River have high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their livers. PCBs can bind to the estrogen receptors in animals and disrupt the endocrine system of these otters. The PCBs seem to increase the estrogen to androgen ratio, skewing the ratio toward too much estrogen. How would increased estrogen affect the river otter population? Based on your reading of the materials in this unit, what factors can affect fertility in humans? Explain how each of the factors affecting human fertility that you described can disrupt the human endocrine system to affect reproduction.arrow_forwardOther than oil and alcohol, are there other liquids you could compare to water (that are liquid at room temperature)? How is water unique compared to these other liquids? What follow-up experiment would you like to do, and how would you relate it to your life?arrow_forwardSelection of Traits What adaptations do scavengers have for locating and feeding on prey? What adaptations do predators have for capturing and consuming prey?arrow_forward
- Competition Between Species What natural processes limit populations from growing too large? What are some resources organisms can compete over in their natural habitat?arrow_forwardSpecies Interactions Explain how predators, prey and scavengers interact. Explain whether predators and scavengers are necessary or beneficial for an ecosystem.arrow_forwardmagine that you are conducting research on fruit type and seed dispersal. You submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal that addresses the factors that impact fruit type and seed dispersal mechanisms in plants of Central America. The editor of the journal communicates that your paper may be published if you make ‘minor revisions’ to the document. Describe two characteristics that you would expect in seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Contrast this with what you would expect for seeds that are gathered, buried or eaten by animals, and explain why they are different. (Editor’s note: Providing this information in your discussion will help readers to consider the significance of the research).arrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeBiology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage Learning