A Plant Cell Placed in Distilled Water Will

When a plant cell is placed in distilled water, a variety of changes will take place. Understanding these changes is important for understanding the physiology of plants and for developing strategies for growing them in different environments. Below is an overview of the major changes that occur when a plant cell is placed in distilled water.

The Cell Wall Will Expand

One of the first things that happens when a plant cell is placed in distilled water is that the cell wall will expand. This is because the water will move into the cell through osmosis, causing the cell to swell. However, the cell wall will prevent the cell from bursting by exerting pressure on the cell. This is known as turgor pressure and it is what keeps plant cells plump and firm.

The Vacuole Will Expand

The vacuole is a large organelle found in plant cells that serves a number of functions. When a plant cell is placed in distilled water, the vacuole will also expand. This is because the vacuole is filled with water and as more water enters the cell, the vacuole will become larger. The vacuole is also responsible for storing a variety of molecules and ions, including sugars, amino acids, and enzymes.

The Cytoplasm Will Expand

The cytoplasm is a complex mixture of molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. When a plant cell is placed in distilled water, the cytoplasm will also expand. This is because the water will enter the cell and mix with the cytoplasm, causing it to become more dilute. This can affect the functioning of the cell, leading to changes in metabolism and other processes.

The Chloroplasts Will Move

Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. When a plant cell is placed in distilled water, the chloroplasts will move around the cell. This is because the water will cause the cell to swell and change shape, which can affect the positioning of the chloroplasts. This movement can affect the efficiency of photosynthesis.

The Cell Will Eventually Burst

While the cell wall can prevent the plant cell from bursting initially, if the cell is left in distilled water for too long, it will eventually burst. This is because the osmotic pressure caused by the increased water entering the cell will eventually overcome the turgor pressure exerted by the cell wall. This can be harmful to the plant, leading to cell death and other problems.

Conclusion

Overall, a plant cell placed in distilled water will undergo a variety of changes, including expansion of the cell wall, vacuole, and cytoplasm, movement of the chloroplasts, and eventually bursting of the cell. Understanding these changes is important for understanding plant physiology and how plants respond to different environments.