If a living plant were moved from a freshwater aquarium to a saltwater aquarium, which of the following would occur?

Question

a
The plant's cells would lose water.
b
The plant's cells would block sodium movement.
c
The plant's cells would lose sodium.
d
The plant's cells would take in extra water.

Answer 1

If a living plant were moved from a freshwater aquarium to a saltwater aquarium, the correct answer is:

a. The plant's cells would lose water.

In a saltwater environment, the concentration of salt outside the plant cells is higher than inside the cells. This difference in concentration would cause water to move out of the plant cells through osmosis in an attempt to balance the salt concentrations. As a result, the plant's cells would lose water.