When a potted houseplant is wilting, the addition of water quickly changes the look of the plant. This can be accounted for by which of the following statements?
A) The water creates a hypertonic environment causing the cells to lose water.
B) The water creates a hypotonic environment causing cells to lose water.
C) The water creates a hypertonic environment causing the cells to gain water.
D) The water creates a hypotonic environment causing the cells to gain water.
E) The water creates an isotonic environment that allows for the cells to neither gain nor lose water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When water is added to a potted plant, it creates a hypotonic environment outside the plant cells. This causes water to move into the cells by osmosis, leading to the cells gaining water. This influx of water increases turgor pressure within the cells, making the plant appear firm and upright again.

When a Potted Houseplant Is Wilting, the Addition of Water