* Osmosis: Plant cells have a cell wall that provides structural support and a cell membrane that regulates what goes in and out of the cell. When a plant cell is placed in fresh water, the water has a higher water potential (meaning it's less concentrated) than the cell's cytoplasm. This creates a concentration gradient, driving water to move into the cell by osmosis.
* Turgor Pressure: As water enters the cell, it fills up the central vacuole, increasing the internal pressure known as turgor pressure. This pressure pushes against the cell wall.
* Cell Wall Limits: The cell wall is strong but has a limit. If the water continues to flow in and the turgor pressure exceeds the strength of the cell wall, the cell can burst.
Important Note: While plant cells are more resistant to bursting than animal cells due to the cell wall, they are still susceptible under extreme conditions.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
