As a botanist with a keen interest in plant physiology, I can provide a detailed explanation of what happens when you place celery in water. The process involves principles of osmosis, which is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

When you place celery in water, the water molecules outside the celery cells are more concentrated than the solution within the cell walls. This is because the cell walls of celery contain various solutes, such as sugars, salts, and other organic compounds, which make the solution inside the cells hypertonic relative to pure water. According to the principles of osmosis, water will naturally flow from the hypotonic solution (water) to the hypertonic solution (inside the celery cells) to equalize the solute concentration on both sides of the cell membrane.

The cell membrane of celery, along with the cell wall, acts as a semipermeable barrier, allowing only certain molecules to pass through. In this case, water molecules can move freely, but the larger solute molecules cannot. As water enters the celery cells, the pressure inside the cells increases. This pressure, known as turgor pressure, pushes against the cell wall, causing the celery to become firmer and more rigid.

The process of water entering the celery cells can be beneficial for a few reasons. Firstly, it can help to refresh limp celery by increasing its turgor pressure and firmness. This is particularly useful for celery that has been stored for a long time or has lost some of its freshness. Secondly, it can aid in the absorption of water-soluble nutrients by the celery. As the water moves into the cells, it can carry with it essential nutrients that the celery needs for growth and maintenance.

However, it's important to note that this process has its limits. If the celery is left in water for too long, it can lead to overhydration, which can cause the cells to burst due to excessive turgor pressure. This can result in the celery becoming mushy and losing its structural integrity. Therefore, while placing celery in water can be a useful technique for refreshing it, it should be done with care and not left for extended periods.

In addition, the quality of the water used can also affect the outcome. Using clean, fresh water is best, as any contaminants or impurities in the water could potentially harm the celery cells or introduce unwanted substances into the plant.

In summary, placing celery in water can lead to an increase in turgor pressure and firmness due to the movement of water into the cells by osmosis. This can help to refresh limp celery and aid in nutrient absorption, but care should be taken to avoid overhydration and the use of contaminated water.

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Water flows from the region of low solute concentration (hypotonic) to high solute concentration (hypertonic). ... Compared to distilled water, the solution within the cell walls is hypertonic. Therefore when celery is placed in water, the water flows into the cells of the celery. This can be used to refresh limp celery.read more >>