Question

cell transport
use the following passage and illustration to answer the question.
an osmosis investigation was conducted using chicken eggs to represent cells with semipermeable membranes. the mass of each egg was measured to determine how much water diffused into or out of the eggs. the eggs were first soaked in vinegar to dissolve the shell. each egg was then placed in one of three different solutions for 24 hours. the table below shows the results of the investigation.

based on the experiment, which of the following can be inferred about cells with semipermeable membranes? (3pts)
a water enters the cell when placed in environments of high water concentration.
b water leaves the cell when placed in environments with a low concentration of solutes.
c substances other than water may block pores in the cell membrane.
d substances other than water may also cross the cell membrane.

Explanation:

• Option A: When eggs are placed in distilled water (100% water), the mass increases (e.g., from 64.5g to 105.3g). This indicates water enters the cell (egg) as it has a higher water concentration outside (distilled water) compared to inside the egg (semi - permeable membrane allows water to move in).
• Option B: When eggs are placed in corn syrup (5% water, high solute concentration), the mass decreases (e.g., from 98.6g to 64.5g). This shows water leaves the cell as there is a low water concentration outside (corn syrup) compared to inside the egg.
• Option C: Osmosis is specifically about the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane. Substances other than water blocking pores is not related to the core concept of osmosis shown in the experiment (which is about water movement based on concentration gradients).
• Option D: The experiment focuses on water movement (osmosis). While in reality other substances can cross the membrane, this experiment does not provide evidence for that as it is designed to study water movement in osmosis.

Answer:

A. Water enters the cell when placed in environments of high water concentration. B. Water leaves the cell when placed in environments with a low concentration of solutes.