Question 15

(Multiple Choice)

When an animal cell is placed in a hypotonic solution and water enters the cell via osmosis, the volume of the cell increases until it bursts. This does not happen to plant cells, because


A) they have large central vacuoles, which provide abundant space for storage of incoming water.
B) they have cell walls, which prevent the entry of water by osmosis.
C) they have cell walls, which provide pressure to counteract the pressure of the incoming water.
D) certain proteins embedded in their plasma membranes act as "check valves," releasing excess water before it can cause the cell to burst.
E) the composition of their plasma membranes differs from that of animal- cell plasma membranes in a way that provides much greater strength.

Answer