To determine which cells are likely to grow larger over time, we need to understand the concept of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. In this context, the solute is magnesium.
Here is the step-by-step reasoning:
1. Cell W: The liquid has slightly more magnesium than the cell itself. In this case, water will tend to move out of the cell where the concentration of magnesium is lower (inside the cell) to the liquid where the concentration of magnesium is higher. Therefore, the cell will lose water and will not grow larger.
2. Cell X: The liquid contains the least amount of magnesium. Here, the concentration of magnesium is lower in the liquid than in the cell, so water will move into the cell to balance the concentration. As a result, Cell X will gain water and grow larger.
3. Cell Y: The liquid has slightly less magnesium than the cell. Similar to Cell X, the concentration of magnesium is lower in the liquid than in the cell, causing water to move into the cell. Thus, Cell Y will also grow larger.
4. Cell Z: The liquid contains the most magnesium. In this situation, water will move out of the cell where the magnesium concentration is lower to the liquid where the concentration of magnesium is higher. Thus, Cell Z will lose water and will not grow larger.
Based on the analysis above, the cells that will likely grow larger over time are Cell X and Cell Y.
So, the correct answer is:
- Cells X and Y
