What happens to a plant cell in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell bursts
• B. The plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall
• C. The cell expands significantly
• D. The cytoplasm solidifies

Answer: (B)

In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the plant cell is higher than that inside the cell. As a result, water moves out of the plant cell through osmosis in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations. This loss of water leads to a reduction in the volume of the cytoplasm, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the rigid cell wall, a process known as plasmolysis.

The plant cell maintains its shape due to the presence of the cell wall, but the separation of the plasma membrane from the cell wall indicates that the cell is experiencing stress due to dehydration. Thus, the correct answer highlights the relationship between the cell membrane and the cell wall under hypertonic conditions, emphasizing the physiological response of the plant cell to osmotic changes.