Water Movement in and out of the Vacuole

Which way will the water go: into the vacuole or out of the vacuole?

A) Into the vacuole

B) Out of the vacuole

C) It depends on the osmotic pressure

D) It depends on the cell's hydration level

Answer:

Water movement in and out of the vacuole depends on osmotic pressure, which is influenced by the tonicity of the solution. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the vacuole. In a hypertonic solution, water exits the vacuole.

Explanation: Whether water will move into or out of the vacuole is determined by the osmotic pressure which in turn depends on the tonicity of the solution surrounding the cell. If the cell is in a hypotonic solution, where the concentration of solutes is lower than that inside the cell, water will move into the vacuole. In contrast, if the cell is in a hypertonic solution, with a higher concentration of solutes than that inside the cell, water will move out of the vacuole. In an isotonic solution, where solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, there will be no net movement of water into or out of the vacuole. Additionally, plant cells have a cell wall that can counteract the osmotic pressure to prevent swelling and lysis when in a hypotonic environment. This leads to a build-up of turgor pressure within the cell, providing structural support. Osmoregulation mechanisms, such as aquaporins, facilitate the movement of water across the cell membrane and play a critical role in maintaining cellular integrity in various external conditions.