In Living Cells:

In living cells, such as animal cells with cell membranes and plant cells with both cell membranes and vacuoles, osmosis plays a crucial role. When surrounded by a weak solution (e.g., fresh water), cells tend to absorb water molecules through osmosis, leading to cell hydration. Conversely, when surrounded by a stronger solution (e.g., sea water), cells may lose water molecules by osmosis, resulting in cell dehydration and potential damage.

Effects on Plant Tissues Immersed  in Solutions of Different Concentrations:

When plant tissues are immersed in solutions of varying concentrations, the movement of water through osmosis can have significant effects on their structure and function.

Hypotonic Solution (Lower Solute Concentration):

• A solution is said to be hypotonic if it’s concentration is dilute compared to another solution. This means it has more water compared to other solution. When plant tissues (concentrated) are placed in a hypotonic solution (Dilute solution), water moves into the cells by osmosis. 

• This influx of water causes the cells to swell as they become turgid. The cell wall prevents the cells from bursting, maintaining their structural integrity.

• Placing plant cells in distilled water may lead to turgidity, where the cells become firm and rigid due to the increased internal pressure.

Isotonic Solution (Equal Solute Concentration):

• A solution is said to be isotonic if the concentration of the solution is the same compared to the other solution. 

• In an isotonic solution (equal solute concentration to the cell’s cytoplasm), there is no net movement of water into or out of the cells.

• Plant cells maintain their normal shape and size, as water moves into and out of the cells at an equal rate. There is no change in cell turgor pressure.

• Immersing plant tissues in a balanced salt solution may result in no visible changes to the cells.

Hypertonic Solution (Higher Solute Concentration):

• A solution is said to be hypertonic (concentrated) if the concentration of the solution is higher compared to the other solution. This means it has lower water compared to other solutions. 

• Placing plant tissues in a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration than the cell’s cytoplasm) results in water moving out of the cells by osmosis.

• The loss of water causes the cells to shrink and become plasmolyzed. The cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall, leading to wilting and loss of turgor pressure.

• Exposing plant cells to a concentrated salt solution may cause wilting and cell shrinkage due to water loss.