Question

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution then ${\Psi }_w$ of the cell will be

• A. Increased
• B. Decreased
• C. Unchanged
• D. First increases then decreases

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Decreased

Water potential depends on the number of water molecules in the solution. If a cell is placed in hypertonic solution, water will flow out of the cell through the process of exosmosis. Hence, the number of water molecules will reduce. Consequently, there will be a decrease in water potential.