Question

A RBC and a plant cell (with thick cell wall) are placed in distilled water. The solute concentration is the same in both the cells. What changes would be observed in them (A) The RBC would increase in size and burst while the plant cell would remain about the same size. (B) The plant cell would increase in size and burst while the RBC would remain about the same size. (C) Both plant cell and RBC would decrease in size and collapse. (D) Both plant cell and RBC would not undergo any change

Answer 1

Dear student.

(A) The RBC would increase in size and burst while the plant cell would remain about the same size.

Distilled water is a hypotonic solution as compared to the solution present inside the RBC cells, as a result of which it will enter into the RBC, in order to equalize the osmotic pressure inside and outside the cell membrane of RBC. Due to this RBC will burst. On the other hand, plant cell will also absorb water by osmosis. Due to the presence of cell wall, plant cell will swell and will not burst.

Regards.