Question

If a cell is placed in hypotonic solution what will happen to it?

• A. (a) The cell will swell and burst
• B. (b) The cell will become flaccid
• C. (c) It will remain unchanged
• D. (d) None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

(a) The cell will swell and burst

The correct option is (a)

Explanation of the correct option

1. When a cell is placed in a solution, then the concentration of the cell and the outside solution are different from each other.
2. If the concentration of the cell is more than that of the outside, then the solution is said to be hypotonic.
3. A cell placed in such a type of solution will allow the entry of water into the cell and thus the cell will swell up and burst.

Explanation of the incorrect option

Option (b) Cell becomes flaccid when placed in a hypertonic solution i.e., a solution having a concentration more than the cell.
Option (c) When the cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it will change and swell and thus burst. However, a plant cell does burst due to the presence of a rigid cell wall.

Final answer

If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the cell will swell and burst.