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OSMOSIS Prediction Introduction Plant cells have a cell membrane that is partially permeable, but on the outside of the cell is the cell wall, which is fully permeable, i.e. it allows anything (dissolved) to pass through. This prevents bursting, because it is made of cellulose and strong, so it is able to withstand the osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is largely responsible for the way stems of herbaceous plants normally remain upright but wilt if water is not available, and for the opening and closing of guard cells surrounding stomata in leaves. In each of these cases, the osmotic pressure acts against the rigid cellulose cell wall (on the outside of the cell membrane), which exerts a pressure resulting in cell turgidity. Plant cells are normally bathed in a very weak/dilute solution, consisting mainly of water drawn up from the soil by the roots, so this pressure is used by plants to keep them firm and...

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