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Question
Two similar animal cells are placed in two different solutions: Cell X is placed in pure water. Cell Y is placed in a concentrated salt solution. Cells are observed after some time. Cell X swells, and Cell Y shrinks. Which statement provides the correct explanation for the above observations? (i) Salt molecules moved into Cell Y, causing it to shrink. (ii) Water moved into Cell X and more water moved out of Cell Y than the salt solution entered in it. (iii) Water moved into Cell X and moved out of Cell Y through the cell membrane. (iv) Solute movement caused osmosis in both cells.
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Answer
Option (iii) is correct.
Explanation
- Water moves by osmosis across the cell membrane.
- Cell X is in pure water, so water enters and it swells.
- Cell Y is in strong salt solution, so water leaves and it shrinks.
- The membrane lets water pass, not the salt.
Water enters X and leaves Y through the cell membrane.
← Back to concept: 2.2.1 Cell membrane
