A Plant Cell in Distilled Water Will

Plant cells are complex and essential for the growth and development of plants. When placed in distilled water, plant cells undergo certain transformations that affect their overall structure and function. In this article, we will explore how a plant cell in distilled water will behave and what consequences it may have.

Swell

When a plant cell is placed in distilled water, it will swell up due to a process known as osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In this case, since distilled water has a higher concentration of water molecules than the cell, water will move into the cell causing it to swell.

Pressure Buildup

As the plant cell swells, pressure is built up within the cell. The cell wall, which is made of rigid cellulose, prevents the cell from expanding too much. However, the pressure inside the cell will eventually reach a threshold where the cell could burst if the pressure continues to build up.

Balance Reached

After some time, the plant cell will reach a balance where the pressure inside the cell is equal to the pressure outside the cell. At this point, the cell will stop swelling and neither gain nor lose water. This balance is known as an isotonic solution, where the concentration of water inside and outside the cell is equal.

Function Affected

The swelling of plant cells in distilled water can affect their function. For example, the swollen cells may not be able to perform photosynthesis as efficiently. This is because chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis, are located towards the periphery of the cell and may be compressed due to the swelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a plant cell placed in distilled water will swell up due to osmosis causing pressure buildup within the cell. Eventually, the cell will reach a balance where the pressure inside and outside the cell is equal. The swelling can affect the function of the cell, but will not cause any long-term damage. Understanding how plant cells behave in different environments is important for understanding the growth and development of plants.