[Campbell Biology P.184] Which of the following accurately describes the state of a plant ce... | Practice Question

Which of the following accurately describes the state of a plant cell and its surrounding solution that leads to plasmolysis?

  • A: Cell is turgid; surrounding solution is hypotonic.
  • B: Cell is flaccid; surrounding solution is isotonic.
  • C: Plasma membrane pulls away from cell wall; surrounding solution is hypertonic.
  • D: Cell becomes firm; surrounding solution is isotonic.

Explanation

Plasmolysis occurs when a plant cell loses water to a hypertonic environment, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the cell wall. A hypotonic solution makes the cell turgid, and an isotonic solution makes it flaccid.