A student places a slice of potato in two different beakers: one filled with distilled water and the other filled with saltwater. After an hour, the potato slice in distilled water becomes firm, while the one in saltwater becomes soft.

Question

Which statement best explains the role of passive transport in this experiment?
(5 Points)

The salt in the saltwater moves into the potato cells, causing them to shrink.

Water moves out of the potato cells in saltwater, causing the cells to lose pressure and shrink.

The potato cells actively pump out water in saltwater, making them soft.

The potato absorbs salt from the saltwater, which changes its texture.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains the role of passive transport in this experiment is:

Water moves out of the potato cells in saltwater, causing the cells to lose pressure and shrink.

In this scenario, the potato slice placed in saltwater experiences osmosis, where water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (inside the potato cells) to an area of higher solute concentration (the saltwater). As water exits the potato cells, they lose turgor pressure, leading to a softening of the potato.