Question

In hypertonic solution, water potential of a cell

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. First increases then decreases
• D. No change

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Decreases

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, then water will flow from inside the cell to outside. This will decrease the concentration of water molecules inside the cell. Water potential by definition is the potential developed due to the concentration of free water molecules in a system or solution. Hence, when water moves out, the water potential of cell decreases. Thus, the correct answer is option A.