Question

question 4 1 pts which of the following statements correctly describes the normal tonicity conditions for typical plant and animal cells? the animal cell is in a hypotonic solution, and the plant cell is in an isotonic solution. the animal cell is in an isotonic solution, and the plant cell is in a hypertonic solution. the animal cell is in a hypertonic solution, and the plant cell is in an isotonic solution. the animal cell is in an isotonic solution, and the plant cell is in a hypotonic solution. the animal cell is in a hypertonic solution, and the plant cell is in a hypotonic solution.

Explanation:

• Isotonic solution for animal cells: In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside the animal cell. This means there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane. Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall. If they were in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration outside), water would rush in and cause the cell to burst (lysis). If in a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration outside), water would move out, causing the cell to shrink (crenation). So, under normal conditions, animal cells are in an isotonic environment.
• Hypotonic solution for plant cells: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall. In a hypotonic solution (where the solute concentration is lower outside the cell compared to inside), water enters the plant cell. The cell wall exerts a back - pressure (turgor pressure) as the cell swells. This turgor pressure is essential for plant cells to maintain their shape and for the plant to stand upright. If plant cells were in an isotonic solution, they would become flaccid (lose turgor), and in a hypertonic solution, they would plasmolyze (cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall as water exits).

Answer:

The animal cell is in an isotonic solution, and the plant cell is in a hypotonic solution.