Osmosis Problem: Plant Cell Mass & Flaccidity

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In summary, osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration. In plants, this process is crucial for maintaining cell turgidity, which is the pressure exerted by the cell wall against the cell membrane. The concentration of solutes outside the cell directly affects the movement of water through osmosis, with a higher concentration resulting in a decrease in cell mass and flaccidity and a lower concentration resulting in an increase in cell mass and turgidity. Plant cells have various mechanisms to maintain turgidity in different environments, including the cell wall, vacuoles, and the production of solutes. Turgidity is important for
  • #1
ruby_duby
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hi
am i right in saying that if the concentration of sucrose solution becomes more concentrated outside a plant cell, then the plant cell will become flaccid and decrease in mass?
Please help need to know urgently
thank you
 
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water potential is higher in the cell so water moves out by osmosis, water is lost from cell and therefore mass is lost to the outside environment.
 
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Yes, you are correct. When the concentration of sucrose solution outside a plant cell becomes more concentrated, water will move out of the cell through osmosis. This results in a decrease in the overall mass of the cell and the cell will become flaccid, meaning it will lose its firmness and become limp. This process is known as plasmolysis and is a common occurrence in plant cells when they are placed in a hypertonic solution (a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell). It is important for plants to maintain a balance of water and solutes in their cells to ensure proper growth and functioning. I hope this helps and good luck with your urgent need!
 

FAQ: Osmosis Problem: Plant Cell Mass & Flaccidity

1. What is osmosis and how does it relate to plant cell mass and flaccidity?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration. In plants, osmosis plays a crucial role in maintaining cell turgidity, which is the pressure exerted by the cell wall against the cell membrane. When there is a higher concentration of solutes (such as salt or sugar) outside the cell, water moves out of the cell through osmosis, causing the cell to shrink and become flaccid. On the other hand, when there is a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and become turgid.

2. How does the concentration of solutes affect plant cell mass and flaccidity?

The concentration of solutes outside the cell directly affects the movement of water through osmosis. A higher concentration of solutes outside the cell will result in water moving out of the cell, causing it to shrink and become flaccid. A lower concentration of solutes outside the cell will result in water moving into the cell, causing it to swell and become turgid.

3. How can plant cells maintain turgidity in different environments?

Plant cells have a cell wall, which provides structural support and prevents the cell from bursting when water moves into it. Additionally, plants have specialized organelles called vacuoles that can store and release water to maintain the proper water balance within the cell. In environments with a high concentration of solutes, plants can also produce solutes (such as sugars or salts) to maintain a higher concentration inside the cell, preventing water from leaving the cell through osmosis.

4. What is the importance of turgidity in plants?

Turgidity is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of plants. When cells are turgid, the plant appears healthy and upright. Turgidity also plays a role in the transport of nutrients and water within the plant. Additionally, turgid cells allow for the opening and closing of stomata, which are small pores on the surface of leaves that are responsible for gas exchange and water loss.

5. How does osmosis in plants differ from osmosis in animal cells?

In plants, the cell wall plays a significant role in maintaining turgidity and preventing the cell from bursting. Animal cells do not have a cell wall and are therefore more susceptible to bursting when water moves into the cell. Additionally, animal cells typically have a more complex system for regulating water balance, including specialized organs such as the kidneys. Plant cells, on the other hand, rely on osmosis and turgidity to maintain water balance.

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