Question

The process of plasmolysis in plant cells is defined as:

• A. Breakdown of plasma membrane in hypotonic solution
• B. Shrinkage of cytoplasm in hypertonic medium
• C. Shrinkage of nucleoplasm
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Shrinkage of cytoplasm in hypertonic medium

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Plasmolysis is the process by which cells in a hypertonic solution lose water.
2. The cells of the body cannot operate adequately if they are deprived of water or gain extra water through osmosis.
3. Outside the cell membrane, plant cells contain a strong stiff cell wall.
4. This prevents the cell from bursting when it absorbs water via osmosis.
5. The cell becomes hard as the pressure increases.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. When a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, the plasma membrane breaks down.
2. As a result of the low concentration of water outside the cell, the cell loses water and shrinks.
3. This is known as exosmosis.

Option C:

1. Plasmolysis is the process through which the cytoplasm shrinks as a result of water loss from the cell.
2. It does not shrink nucleoplasm.

Final answer: The process of plasmolysis in plant cells is defined as the shrinkage of cytoplasm in the hypertonic medium.