In a hypertonic solution, what occurs to a cell?

• A. The cell swells and becomes turgid
• B. The cell remains unchanged
• C. The cell shrinks and shrivels
• D. The cell bursts due to excess water intake

Answer: (C)

In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This difference in solute concentration creates an osmotic gradient that causes water to move out of the cell in an effort to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. As a result, the cell loses water, leading to its shrinkage and causing it to shrivel. This process is known as plasmolysis in plant cells. Therefore, the correct answer accurately describes the consequences of a cell being placed in a hypertonic solution.