Question

A plant cell shrinks when kept in a?
(A)- Hypotonic solution
(B)- Hypertonic solution
(C)- Isotonic solution
(D)- Pure water

Answer 1

Hint: This type of solution contains more dissolved particles than found in normal cells and blood. The water moves from higher concentration (inside the cell) to lower concentration.

Complete step by step solution:
Let’s take a look at the answer:
To answer this question we will see what will happen to the plant cell when placed in all the given solutions.
Hypotonic solution - A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of dissolved particles than the other solution. When a plant cell is kept in a hypotonic solution then it swells up by absorbing water through the process of endosmosis.
Isotonic solution - An isotonic solution has equal concentration of dissolved particles when compared to another solution. A plant cell placed in an isotonic solution neither shrinks nor swells. It remains as before.
Pure water- Pure water is a hypotonic solution. So, if a plant cell is placed in pure water then it will swell up and expand. It will absorb water from the solution.
Hypertonic solution- A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of dissolved particles than the other solution. When a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution it loses water and shrinks. It loses water by the process of exosmosis.

Note: Hypertonic saline solutions are used in the medical field. They are also used in the contact lens fluid to keep the lens clean and free from dust and pollutants.