# Explain why osmosis is important for plant cells when the concentration of water molecules outside the cell is higher than inside the cell.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 1.5 Transport in cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Plant cells contain a large central vacuole filled with cell sap. The movement of water into and out of plant cells affects how firm or flaccid the cell becomes.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration
2. The movement occurs through a partially permeable membrane
3. Water moves into the plant cell by osmosis because the water concentration outside is higher than inside
4. This causes the cell to become turgid, which supports the plant

## Key terms

- [osmosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/osmosis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-osmosis-is-important-for-144765af) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.