which is used to pump water out of the cell. explain why this structure is necessary for maintaining a water balance between the cell and its environment.
2006-12-29 18:40:12 · 3 answers · asked by whiskersbluwie 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Simple. Without it, the cell will become engorged. The cell membrane could then tear and the cell could burst. The contractile vacuole controls the amount of water received through osmosis (the natural flow of water through the membrane). So, by regulating the flow, you are controlling how much excess water is inside the cell. Just like a balloon--it can be filled with a lot of water, but once it is filled up too much, it bursts. Now, if you poke a hole in the balloon, water can come in the balloon, but it will also come out at a constant rate--hence the contractile vacuole.
2006-12-29 19:21:36 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Jankovich 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because of osmosis, the water goes into the cell as it has a low concentration of water. if alot comes in and it isn't controlled (by the contractile vacuole) the cell will become turged and finally burst! or if no water goes in the cell will become plasmolysed and shrink... therefore it dies! with the help of the contractile vacuole, the amount of water going in and out of the cell is controlled! Long and happy life for the cell! :)
2006-12-29 23:35:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-10 08:18:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋