Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis, which is a special case of diffusion - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2022
Question c
Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis, which is a special case of diffusion.
(i) Explain the term osmosis.
(ii) Explain the term turgor.
(iii) Which cell, A... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis, which is a special case of diffusion - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2022
Step 1
Explain the term osmosis.
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Answer
Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is essential for maintaining cellular functions and hydration.
Step 2
Explain the term turgor.
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Answer
Turgor refers to the pressure exerted by the fluid (water) within the central vacuole of a plant cell against the cell wall. This pressure helps maintain the cell's shape and provides structural support to the plant.
Step 3
Which cell, A or B, is turgid?
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Answer
Cell A is turgid, as evidenced by the pressurized state against the cell wall, which is characteristic of turgor pressure.
Step 4
Name the cell part that prevents bursting of a cell.
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Answer
The cell wall prevents bursting of a plant cell by providing structural support and limiting excessive expansion of the cell under pressure.
Step 5
Name organelle X, an important storage organelle in plant cells.
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Answer
Organelle X is the vacuole, which stores water, nutrients, and waste products in plant cells.
Step 6
Explain in detail what has happened to cell B.
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Answer
In cell B, the cell membrane has peeled away from the cell wall, a process known as plasmolysis. This occurs due to a loss of water from the cell, causing it to lose turgor pressure and shrink away from the rigid cell wall.
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