14
QuizMultiple Choice

Cell Structure and Function — Test

Question 14 • Biology

How would the contractile vacuole of a freshwater amoeba respond if the organism was placed in seawater?

Answer
A
with fewer contractions
B
the contractions would suddenly cease
C
with more contractions
D
with the same frequency of contractions

Explanation

Freshwater is less concentrated than the amoeba’s cytoplasm, so water continually enters the cell by osmosis and the contractile vacuole expels the excess. Seawater is more concentrated, so less water enters the amoeba and water may leave it. The vacuole therefore has less excess water to remove and contracts less often, matching “with fewer contractions.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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