Question

An animal cell when placed in a 0.9% solute solution, the cell will

• A. Remain unchanged.
• B. Swell and burst.
• C. Shrivel.
• D. Swell and divide.
• E. Release solute by exocytosis.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Remain unchanged.

Animal cells do not have a cell wall, but they do have a plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is semi-permeable and performs an important task of keeping the cell alive by maintaining an isotonic environment. The cells will not gain or lose water if placed in isotonic solution. The normal saline solution which is 0.9% NaCl is isotonic with blood. Hence, the animal cells remain unchanged.