Question

Why does a cell shrink when placed in salt solution?

• A. Cells shrink as the cytoplasm will decompose when placed in salt solution.
• B. Mineral salts will break the cell wall, causing the cells to shrink.
• C. Salt-water enters the cell and breaks the cell.
• D. Water comes out of the cell by exosmosis, causing it to shrink.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Water comes out of the cell by exosmosis, causing it to shrink.

The water potential of the salt solution, being hypertonic, is less than that of the cytoplasm of the cell. Hence, water comes out of the cell through osmosis and protoplast shrinks. This process is called as plasmolysis.