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2017Q3(a)(i)Absorption by Roots – The Processes Involved
Short answerModerate1 mark
3(a)

The diagram given below represents a plant cell after being placed in a strong sugar solution. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below represents a plant cell after being placed in a strong sugar solution. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow:

Figure for this question

What is the state of the cell shown in the diagram?

Topic: Plasmolysed cell

Previous-year question practice database

Answer

Exam answer

The cell is PLASMOLYSED (in a flaccid state).

Explanation

THE FEATURE THAT IDENTIFIES A PLASMOLYSED CELL is the GAP between the shrunken protoplasm and the cell wall. In a TURGID cell there is no gap at all — the membrane is pressed tight against the wall.

WHAT HAPPENED: placed in a STRONG SUGAR SOLUTION — which is HYPERTONIC to the cell sap — the cell lost water by EXOSMOSIS. The vacuole shrank and the protoplasm contracted away from the wall.

Use the term PLASMOLYSED, and add FLACCID if you wish. Both appear in the marking scheme.

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