AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -If a plant cell is surrounded by a solution that contains a higher concentration of water molecules than the solution inside the cell, water will enter the cell by osmosis and the plant cell will become turgid (firm). The pressure that develops inside a plant cell when it becomes turgid is called turgor pressure.

Detailed explanation-2: -Red blood cells placed in a solution with a higher water concentration compared to their contents (eg pure water) will gain water by osmosis, swell up and burst.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cytolysis, or osmotic lysis, occurs when a cell bursts due to an osmotic imbalance that has caused excess water to diffuse into the cell. Water can enter the cell by diffusion through the cell membrane or through selective membrane channels called aquaporins, which greatly facilitate the flow of water.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plants and Hypotonic Environments In contrast to animal cells, plant cells have rigid cell walls that limit the osmosis-induced expansion of the plasma membrane. By limiting expansion, the cell wall prevents the cell from bursting and causes plants to stiffen (i.e., become turgid).