A scientist places four identical cells into four different liquids, each with different concentrations of magnesium.

\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline
Cell & Description of Liquid \\
\hline
[tex]$W$[/tex] & Slightly more magnesium than the cell \\
\hline
[tex]$X$[/tex] & The least amount of magnesium \\
\hline
[tex]$Y$[/tex] & Slightly less magnesium than the cell \\
\hline
[tex]$Z$[/tex] & The most amount of magnesium \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which cells will likely grow larger over time?

A. Cells [tex]$W$[/tex] and [tex]$Z$[/tex]

B. Cell [tex]$W$[/tex] only

C. Cell [tex]$Y$[/tex] only

D. Cells [tex]$X$[/tex] and [tex]$Y$[/tex]



Answer :

Given the scenario, we need to determine how the different concentrations of magnesium in the liquids will affect the size of each cell over time. To make this determination, we need to consider the principle of osmosis, which involves the movement of substances across cell membranes.

### Analysis:

1. Cell W (Slightly more magnesium than the cell):
- Liquid outside the cell has a slightly higher concentration of magnesium than inside the cell.
- Usually, substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration to achieve equilibrium.
- Therefore, magnesium will tend to leave the cell, causing it to lose some of its internal content and likely shrink or not grow.

2. Cell X (The least amount of magnesium):
- Liquid outside the cell has much less magnesium than inside the cell.
- Magnesium will move from inside the cell to outside, leading to a possible decrease in magnesium inside the cell, but the water might flow into the cell due to higher internal concentration if other osmotic balances are considered.
- This lower concentration outside creates a hypotonic environment, so the cell will likely take in water and grow larger.

3. Cell Y (Slightly less magnesium than the cell):
- Liquid outside the cell has a slightly lower concentration of magnesium than inside the cell.
- Magnesium will tend to move out, but the external solution being slightly less concentrated will create a mild hypotonic state, leading potentially to water intake.
- Hence, the cell will likely absorb water and grow larger.

4. Cell Z (The most amount of magnesium):
- Liquid outside the cell has a significantly higher concentration of magnesium than inside the cell.
- This will cause magnesium to enter the cell, but more significantly, water could move out of the cell, creating a hypertonic environment.
- This will likely result in the cell losing water and shrinking or not growing.

### Conclusion:
Comparing the potential size changes, cells in liquids with lower external magnesium concentrations (creating hypotonic conditions) are the ones likely to grow larger. Given this analysis:

- Cells X and Y will likely grow larger over time.

Therefore, the answer is:
cells [tex]$X$[/tex] and [tex]$Y$[/tex]

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