[Campbell Biology P.183] Based on Figure 7.13 and the accompanying text, which of the follow... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 7.13 and the accompanying text, which of the following statements correctly describe the behavior of animal and plant cells in different solutions? Select all that apply

  • A: An animal cell will swell and may lyse if placed in a hypotonic solution.
  • B: A plant cell is considered 'normal' or 'turgid' when immersed in an isotonic solution.
  • C: Both animal and plant cells will shrivel or plasmolyze when placed in a hypertonic solution due to water loss.
  • D: In an isotonic environment, an animal cell remains stable in volume due to no net water movement.
  • E: Plant cells rely on their rigid cell walls to prevent bursting when absorbing excessive water in a hypotonic environment.

Explanation

Figure 7.13 and the text clearly illustrate these behaviors. Animal cells A lyse in hypotonic solutions because they lack rigid cell walls. Both cell types C lose water and undergo shriveling animal or plasmolysis plant in hypertonic solutions. Animal cells D maintain stable volume in isotonic solutions. Plant cells E are protected from lysis in hypotonic solutions by their rigid cell walls, leading to turgor pressure.