What is the Difference Between Plasmolysis and Deplasmolysis?

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Plasmolysis and deplasmolysis are processes that involve the movement of water molecules in and out of plant cells, respectively. The main differences between these two processes are:

  1. Occurrence: Plasmolysis occurs when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, while deplasmolysis occurs when cells are placed in a hypotonic solution.
  2. Water movement: In plasmolysis, water molecules move out of the cell, causing the cell to shrink and the plasma membrane to withdraw from the cell wall. In deplasmolysis, water molecules move into the cell, causing the cell to swell and the plasma membrane to return to the cell wall.
  3. Solvent movement: Plasmolysis is the result of exosmosis, which is the process of solvent movement from inside the cell to outside the cell when placed in a hypertonic solution. Deplasmolysis is the result of endosmosis, which is the movement of solvent from inside the cell when placed in a hypotonic solution.
  4. Cell state: In plasmolysis, the cell becomes flaccid due to the loss of water. In deplasmolysis, the cell becomes turgid as it absorbs water and nutrients.

In summary, plasmolysis and deplasmolysis are essential processes for plant cells to adapt to different solute concentrations in their surrounding environment. While plasmolysis involves the loss of water and shrinkage of the cell, deplasmolysis involves the absorption of water and swelling of the cell.

Comparative Table: Plasmolysis vs Deplasmolysis

Here is a table comparing the differences between plasmolysis and deplasmolysis:

Feature Plasmolysis Deplasmolysis
Process Loss of protoplasm from the cell wall Entrance of water into the cell wall
Occurrence When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution In a hypotonic solution
Result of Exosmosis Endosmosis
Effect on Protoplast Shrinkage due to hypertonic solution Swelling to come intact with the cell wall
Cell State Flaccid Turgid

Plasmolysis is the process of water leaving plant cells, allowing the cytoplasm and plasma membrane to shrink away from the cell wall. This occurs when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, and water molecules move out of the cell due to exosmosis. On the other hand, deplasmolysis is the reverse of plasmolysis, where water molecules enter the cell, causing the protoplasm to swell and become turgid. This occurs when a plasmolyzed cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, and water molecules move into the cell due to endosmosis.