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Plasmolysis is a process where plant cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, causing the cell membrane to detach from the cell wall. This phenomenon is critical for understanding cell osmoregulation and the effects of osmotic stress on plant cells.
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Concept
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. This process is vital for maintaining cell turgor pressure and homeostasis in biological systems.
Concept
A hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside, causing water to move out of the cell through osmosis. This can lead to cell shrinkage or plasmolysis in plant cells, affecting cellular function and viability.
Concept
The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, maintaining homeostasis by controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that facilitate communication and transport functions.
Concept
The cell wall is a rigid, protective layer found outside the cell membrane in plants, fungi, bacteria, and some protists, providing structural support and determining cell shape. Composed mainly of polysaccharides like cellulose in plants, it plays a crucial role in regulating growth, mediating cell-to-cell interactions, and protecting against mechanical stress and pathogens.
Concept
Turgor pressure is the force exerted by fluid inside the cell against the cell wall, which is crucial for maintaining plant rigidity and stability. It plays a vital role in plant growth, nutrient transport, and response to environmental stimuli by regulating cell expansion and structural integrity.
Concept
Water potential is a measure of the potential energy in water, influencing the direction that water will flow. It is crucial in understanding how water moves through plants, soils, and cells, driven by differences in potential energy rather than concentration gradients alone.
Concept
Osmoregulation is the process by which living organisms maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in their bodies to ensure proper cellular function and overall homeostasis. This involves intricate mechanisms that adjust fluid intake, excretion, and distribution across cell membranes to adapt to varying environmental conditions.
Concept
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within a cell that encompasses all organelles and cell parts, excluding the nucleus, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell structure and facilitating intracellular processes. It consists of cytosol, the fluid component, and is the site for many metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and protein synthesis.
Concept
Solute concentration refers to the amount of solute present in a given quantity of solvent or solution, and it is a critical factor in determining the chemical properties and reactions within that solution. It is commonly expressed in units such as molarity, molality, or percent concentration, and influences factors like osmotic pressure, boiling point elevation, and freezing point depression.
Concept
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the balance of salts and sugars and impairing bodily functions. It can result from various factors such as excessive sweating, illness, or insufficient fluid intake, and can lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly.
Concept
Cell turgor is the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells, driven by water entering the cell via osmosis. It is crucial for maintaining cell rigidity, supporting plant structure, and driving growth processes such as cell elongation.
Concept
Cytolysis is the process where a cell bursts due to an imbalance in osmotic pressure, often caused by excessive influx of water. This phenomenon can occur in both animal and plant cells and is critical in understanding cell membrane integrity and the effects of hypotonic environments.
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