Question

A normal plant cell holds water in the vacuole of the cell. This large organelle also gives the cell support. Suppose a plant is submerged in salt water. As a result, the vacuoles collapse and the leaves wilt. This condition is called plasmolysis. Which explanation do you think best describes what happens to the cells of that plant during plasmolysis?
The water diffuses out of the cell to equalize the solute concentrations.
The water diffuses into the cell to equalize the solute concentrations.
The solute (salt) moves inside the cell to equalize the solute concentrations.
The solute (salt) pushes on the vacuole of the plant cell causing it to collapse.

Answer 1

The water diffuses out of the cell to equalize the solute concentrations

Salt is too big to pass through the cell and water is the only so water tries to "balance" the concentration on the inside and outside.

Answer 2

Correct Answer: A. The water diffuses out of the cell to equalize the solute concentrations.  

Explanation: When the plant is submerged in salt water, the solute (salt) concentration is greater outside the cell membrane than inside. In order to reach equilibrium, water diffuses out of the cell to equalize the solute concentration.