Question

If a cell is placed in salt water, water will ___.

• A. Leave the cell and the cell shrinks.
• B. Enter the cell and the cell expands.
• C. No change will take place.
• D. Depends on the temperature and climatic conditions.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Leave the cell and the cell shrinks.

When a cell is placed in concentrated salt water (hypertonic solution), it is seen that cell has more water content than the salt solution. As a result, the water will move from its higher concentration to lower concentration without any expense of energy (passively). Hence, the cell will shrink in its size when kept in a hypertonic solution.