Question

Assume that you place a freshwater plant into a saltwater solution and examine it under a microscope. What happens to the plant cells? What if you placed a saltwater plant in pure water? Explain. Draw pictures to illustrate your explanations.

Short answer

When a freshwater plant is placed in a saltwater solution, the higher salt concentration outside the cell causes water to flow out of the cell through osmosis, resulting in the cells shrinking and potentially affecting the plant's overall structure and functionality. Conversely, when a saltwater plant is placed in pure water, the higher salt concentration inside the cell causes water to flow into the cell through osmosis, leading to swelling and possible rupture of the cells, negatively impacting their functionality.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Osmosis

Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. In this case, the plant cells have such membranes, which only allow water molecules to pass through. The osmosis process will affect the cells depending on the concentration of solutes outside and inside the cell: if the outside solute concentration is higher, it will lead to water flow out of the cell (shrinking); if the outside solute concentration is lower, it will lead to water flow into the cell (swelling).

Freshwater Plant in Saltwater Solution

When a freshwater plant is placed in a saltwater solution, the salt concentration outside the cell (in saltwater) is higher than inside the cell. This causes water to flow out of the cell through osmosis. As a result, the cells shrink, which may affect the plant's overall structure and functionality. Here's an illustration: 1. Start with a normal freshwater plant cell 2. Place the freshwater plant cell into a saltwater solution 3. Water flows out of the cell due to higher salt concentration outside the cell membrane 4. The cell shrinks, which may disrupt its ability to function properly

Saltwater Plant in Pure Water

When a saltwater plant is placed in pure water, the salt concentration inside the cell is higher than outside the cell, as there are virtually no salts in pure water. This causes water to flow into the cell through osmosis. As a result, the cells swell and may eventually rupture or burst due to the increased pressure from the influx of water. This will damage the cells, impairing the plant's overall structure and functionality. Here's an illustration: 1. Start with a normal saltwater plant cell 2. Place the saltwater plant cell into pure water 3. Water flows into the cell due to higher salt concentration inside the cell membrane 4. The cell swells, and possibly ruptures, which may disrupt its ability to function properly In conclusion, osmosis affects plant cells depending on the concentration of solutes outside and inside the cell. Placing a freshwater plant in a saltwater solution will cause the cells to shrink, while placing a saltwater plant in pure water will lead to swelling and possible rupture of the cells, negatively impacting their functionality.