Question

Plasmolysis occurs in __________

(a) Hypertonic solution

(b) Hypotonic solution

(c) Both hypotonic and hypertonic solution

(d) Isotonic solution

This question was posed to me during an internship interview.

My question is based upon Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes topic in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Hypertonic solution

Best explanation: If a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic medium, its volume shrinks as the water diffuses out of the cell through the cell wall. The plasma membrane pulls away from the surrounding cell wall. This process of loss of water is called as plasmolysis and it leads to loss of support and wilt.