Question

Water potential of a cell, when it is placed in hypertonic solution

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

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Decreases

Water potential is the chemical potential of water and depends on the number of water molecules. When a solute has been dissolved in water, there is a relative decrease in a number of solvent or water molecules. Hence, water potential decreases. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, then water moves out of the cell due to the process of exosmosis. In this case, also there is a decrease in water potential of the cell.

So, the correct answer is option A.