Chapter 3 Movement of Substances

What Happens to an Animal Cell in a Solution with

Low Water Potential?
October 28, 2016

What Happens to an Animal Cell in a

Solution with Low Water Potential?

cytoplasm
in a solution with low
water potential

cytoplasm has higher

water potential than
outside solution
animal cell

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

October 28, 2016

What Happens to an Animal Cell in a

Solution with Low Water Potential?
water leaves by osmosis
in a solution with low
water potential

As the cell loses water, it shrinks in size.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

October 28, 2016

What Happens to an Animal Cell in a

Solution with Low Water Potential?

spikes
in a solution with low
water potential

As the cell shrinks, little spikes appear on the cell surface

membrane. This process is called crenation. The cell is said
to be crenated.
An animal cell will become dehydrated and eventually die.

Copyright 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

October 28, 2016