Question

generalized plant cell
which illustration shows what will most likely happen to the cell if it is placed in
a solution with a low concentration of solute (hypotonic)?

Explanation:

When a plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution (low solute concentration), water will enter the cell by osmosis. The cell wall of plant cells is rigid. As water enters, the vacuole swells, and the cell becomes turgid. In option A, the cell appears normal - like a healthy plant cell in a hypotonic environment where water has entered but the cell wall prevents bursting. Option B shows plasmolysis (cell membrane shrinking away from cell wall, which occurs in hypertonic solutions). Option C has an irregular shape which is not typical for a plant cell in hypotonic solution. Option D shows a damaged - looking cell which is not the result of being in a hypotonic solution for a plant cell (plant cells don't burst easily due to cell wall).

Answer:

A.