10.  A plant cell placed in a hypotonic solution would

    a.  shrink     b.  burst    c.  become turgid    d.  remain unchanged

A hypotonic solution (distilled water is the epitome of such a solution) contains more water than does the cell.  Thus, water diffuses into the cell.  Since a plant cell is surrounded by a wall, the cell swells and the contents of the cell exert pressure against the cell wall.  This pressure is called turgor pressure, and the cell is described as turgid.  An animal cell placed in this type of environment would burst.  If you haven't watered your house plants in a week (or more!), what is the appearance of the plant?  What happens to the appearance of the plant after you water it?  Can you relate the changes to this question?

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Emma Erdahl, Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Virginia Community College
Revised 8/23/00