Question

what type of solution allows water to enter the plant cell? options: hypertonic solution, active transport, isotonic solution, hypotonic solution (with an image of a plant cell showing water (h₂o) movement into the cell)

Explanation:

To determine the solution, we analyze the concepts of different solutions and water movement in plant cells:

1. Hypertonic solution: In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside. This causes water to move out of the plant cell (plasmolysis), so it does not allow water to enter.
2. Active transport: Active transport is the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP). It is not related to the type of solution but to the transport mechanism of specific molecules (like ions), so this is not the correct answer.
3. Isotonic solution: In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell. There is no net movement of water (water moves in and out at equal rates), so it does not allow a net entry of water into the plant cell.
4. Hypotonic solution: In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the plant cell. According to the principle of osmosis, water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower water potential). So, water will move into the plant cell, causing it to become turgid. This matches the requirement of the question (allowing water to enter the plant cell).

Answer:

hypotonic solution