Question

What happens when dry apricots are left for some time in pure water and later transferred to the sugar solution?

• A. Dry apricots first swell due to endosmosis and then shrink due to exosmosis
• B. Dry apricots first shrink due to endosmosis and then shrink due to exosmosis
• C. Dry apricots first swell due to exosmosis and then shrink due to exosmosis
• D. Dry apricots first swell due to endosmosis and then swells due to exosmosis

Answer 1

The correct option is A Dry apricots first swell due to endosmosis and then shrink due to exosmosis

Dry apricots have more solutes than pure water. Hence, the endosmosis, i.e., water molecules will move from outside to the inside of the apricot through the wall of apricot. Due to this, apricots will swell eventually. When such apricots are transferred to the sugar solution, then the solution will be the hypertonic bearing high amount of solute. Hence, exosmosis, i.e., water will move from inside to the outside of apricot through the apricot wall. Due to this, apricot will shrink.