Explain why when placed in distilled water a red blood cell would burst but a plant epidermis cell would not

The cytoplasm of both cells has a higher osmolarity/ lower water potential than the distilled water, this causes water to enter the cells via osmosis along the water gradient. The red blood cell is surrounded by a plasma membrane which is relatively weak and bursts with the increased pressure due to the water, whereas the plant cell also contains a cell wall. The cell wall provides more support and so the plant cell wouldn't burst but become turgid, as turgidity increases water influx decreases.

KW
Answered by Kelvin W. Biology tutor

25979 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does heat do to an enzyme and why can enzymes not be 'killed'?


Explain why the tidal volume and breathing rate increase over the course of a spirometer experiment?


Name and describe the 4 steps involved in aerobic respiration


In a population of deer there are two alleles, p and q. Individuals with allele p are faster than those with allele q and so are better at avoiding predation by wolves. Explain how natural selection will affect the characteristics of the deer population.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning