Question

Plasmolysis occurs when a plant cell is placed in:

• A. Isotonic solution
• B. hypertonic solution
• C. hypotonic solution
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C hypotonic solution

When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution (concentrated solution) exosmosis takes place causing the water to leave the cell. This leads to the shrinking of the protoplasm and is called plasmolysis.

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution (dilute solution) endosmosis takes place causing the entry of water into the cell and this causes the cell to swell up and become turgid.

In case of an animal cell, if this swelling is not controlled , it can lead to the bursting of the cell, as there is no cell wall.