B1 - Cell structure and transport

Question 1

What does it mean if the solution is hypertonic to the cell

Answer 1

• The solution is more concentrated than the cell
• This means water moves out of the cell by osmosis
• From an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a partially permeable membrane
• THis causes the cell to shrivel in both animal and plant cells (plasmolysed)

Question 2

What does it mean if the solution is hypotonic than the cell

Answer 2

• The solution is more dilute than the contents of the cell
• This means water moves into the cell by osmosis
• From an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a partially permeable membrane
• In animal cells e.g. RBC, the cells become lysed and they will burst and die
• In plant cells, the cells don’t burst but become trugid due to the strong cellulose cell wall

Question 3

Role of the vacuole in a plant cell

Answer 3

• Stores sap and keep the structure of the cell