Osmosis Without Cell Wall Support

Steps:

• Plant cells normally have rigid cell walls that prevent bursting during osmosis.
• Removing the cell wall leaves only the semi-permeable plasma membrane.
• Distilled water is hypotonic, so water enters the cell via osmosis due to higher internal solute concentration.
• The membrane cannot withstand the pressure, leading to cell rupture.

Why D is correct:

• In hypotonic solutions, osmosis drives water influx (diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from low to high solute concentration), bursting wall-less cells per the osmotic pressure principle.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Turgidity requires cell wall support; without it, bursting occurs instead of turgor.
• B: Cell membranes are selectively permeable and block large proteins from passing.
• C: Water enters (not exits) in hypotonic conditions, causing swelling.

Final answer: D