Question

What happens when a human RBC is placed in a hypertonic environment?

• A. It undergoes plasmolysis.
• B. It is at equilibrium.
• C. None of the above.
• D. It becomes turgid.

Answer 1

The correct option is A It undergoes plasmolysis.

There are three types of solutions on the basis of tonicity.
(i) Isotonic solution: The concentration of water molecules and the solute on either side of the cell membrane is the same. Hence, there is no net movement of water.
(ii) Hypotonic solution: The solution outside the cell has lower solute concentration than the fluid inside the cell. Thus, water flows from the outside to the inside of the cell. Hence, the cell becomes turgid. This is also known as endosmosis.
(iii) Hypertonic solution: The solution present outside the cell has a higher solute concentration than the fluid inside the cell. This results in water moving out of the cell and it becoming flaccid. This phenomenon is also known as exosmosis.