Praxis 5005 Practice Test Practice Question

When onion cells are placed in a 5% table salt solution, the plasma membranes shrink away from the cell walls. This results from the net movement of

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When onion cells are placed in a 5% table salt solution, osmosis occurs, causing water to move out of the cells. This results in the plasma membranes shrinking away from the cell walls.

Option A is incorrect because water moves out of the cells, not into them.

Option C is also wrong; while salt is present in the solution, it does not move into the onion cells in a way that causes the observed effect.

Option D is inaccurate as salt does not exit the cells to cause the membrane shrinkage; instead, the concentration gradient drives water out, leading to the observed plasmolysis.

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