A Plant Cell Placed in Pure Water Will

When a plant cell is placed in pure water, several processes will occur. These processes are essential for the survival and functioning of the cell, and they are the fundamentals of the plant's growth and development. In this article, we will explore the various effects of placing a plant cell in pure water.

Imbibition and Turgor Pressure

The first effect of immersing a plant cell into pure water is imbibition. Imbibition is the process by which water molecules enter the plant cell and move towards the cell's interior, making the cell wall swell. As the cell wall swells, the cytoplasm is pushed towards the cell membrane, creating a turgor pressure that supports the cell's structure. This turgor pressure helps the plant cell maintain its shape and prevent it from collapsing.

Osmosis and Cell Membrane

The second effect of immersing a plant cell into pure water is osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across the cell membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, the solute concentration inside the cell is higher than the solute concentration outside the cell. So, the water molecules move from the surrounding water into the cell. The movement of water molecules into the cell increases the pressure against the cell membrane, which can lead to the permeability of the cell membrane.

Cytoplasmic Streaming

The third effect of immersing a plant cell into pure water is cytoplasmic streaming. Cytoplasmic streaming is the movement of the cytoplasm in a circular motion, transporting nutrients and other substances within the plant cell. The flow of water molecules into the plant cell increases the cytoplasmic streaming rate, which leads to an increase in the plant cell's metabolic activity. Thus, placing a plant cell in pure water can enhance the cell's functioning and promote its growth.

Lysis

The fourth and final effect of immersing a plant cell in pure water is lysis. Lysis is the rupture of the cell membrane due to the excessive entry of water molecules into the cell, which can lead to the decay of the cell. However, this process can only occur when the concentration of dissolved substances in the water outside the cell is lower than that inside the cell, and the plant cell is incapable of regulating the flow of water across its cell membrane.

In conclusion, placing a plant cell in pure water can have several effects, depending on the concentration gradients of dissolved substances inside and outside the cell. The effects can range from maintaining the cell's structure to increasing its metabolic activity. However, if the concentration gradient of dissolved substances is not maintained, the plant cell might undergo lysis, leading to the death of the cell. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the balance of concentration gradients when immersing plant cells in pure water, and it is a fundamental process for the growth and development of plants.