A(n)

dropdown

solution has a lower concentration of water than the cell placed in the solution.

Choice A rationale: The cell membrane did not change at all because of the protection of the cell wall is incorrect because the cell wall does not prevent the movement of water across the cell membrane. The cell wall only provides mechanical support and prevents the cell from bursting in a hypotonic solution.

Choice B rationale: The cells burst because the solution was hypotonic is incorrect because the solution was hypertonic, not hypotonic. A hypertonic solution has a lower concentration of water than the cell, so water moves out of the cell and into the solution by osmosis, causing the cell to shrink.

Choice C rationale: The cell membrane shrank, but the central vacuole remained full is incorrect because the central vacuole also loses water in a hypertonic solution. The central vacuole is a large organelle that stores water and other substances in the plant cell. When water leaves the cell, the central vacuole shrinks and the cell loses its turgor pressure.

Choice D rationale: The cell membrane shrank away from the cell wall because the solution was hypertonic is correct because this is what happens when a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. The cell membrane and the cytoplasm contract and pull away from the cell wall, creating a gap between them. This is called plasmolysis and it can damage the cell.

Choice E rationale: The cell became turgid is incorrect because the cell becomes turgid in a hypotonic solution, not a hypertonic one. A hypotonic solution has a higher concentration of water than the cell, so water moves into the cell and out of the solution by osmosis, causing the cell to swell and press against the cell wall. This is called turgor and it helps the cell maintain its shape and rigidity.

Choice A rationale: Low, high is incorrect because it is the opposite of the direction of simple diffusion. Simple diffusion is the passive movement of molecules along their concentration gradient, which means from high to low concentration.

Choice B rationale: Low, equal is incorrect because it is not the final state of simple diffusion. Simple diffusion will continue until the concentration of molecules is equal on both sides of the membrane.

Choice C rationale: Equal, low is incorrect because it is not possible for simple diffusion. Simple diffusion will stop when the concentration of molecules is equal on both sides of the membrane, and there will be no net movement of molecules.

Choice D rationale: Equal, high is incorrect because it is not possible for simple diffusion. Simple diffusion will stop when the concentration of molecules is equal on both sides of the membrane, and there will be no net movement of molecules.

Choice E rationale: High, low is correct because it is the definition of simple diffusion. Simple diffusion is the passive movement of molecules along their concentration gradient, which means from high to low concentration.