Question

Plasmolysis in a plant cell is defined as

• A. Break down (lysis ) of plasma membrane in hypotonic medium
• B. Shrinkage of cytoplasm in hypertonic medium
• C. Shrinkage of nucleoplasm
• D. None of them

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Shrinkage of cytoplasm in hypertonic medium

The correct option is B.

Explanation for correct option:

1. Plasmolysis is a typical response of plant cells exposed to a hypertonic solution
2. The water inside the cells moves out due to hyperosmotic stress and causes the shrinkage of the cytoplasm

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A

1. Lysis of plasma membrane takes place when it doesn't have a rigid cell wall and is placed in a hypertonic solution
2. The membrane becomes turgid and lysis occurs

Option C

1. Shrinkage of nucleoplasm takes place as the majority of water flows into the central vacuole and brings drastic changes in subcellular structures
2. As nucleoplasm is affected by plasmolysis, it shrinks

Option D

1. Plasmolysis causes the cytoplasm to shrink
2. A hypertonic solution enables exosmosis and leads to shrinkage

Final answer: Plasmolysis in a plant cell is defined as the Shrinkage of cytoplasm in a hypertonic medium