EVERYDAY SCIENCE

SCIENCE

CELL BIOLOGY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
If a cell containing 5% salt is placed into a glass of water with 20% salt, the water is ____ compared to the cell.
A
hypertonic-
B
hypotonic
C
isotonic
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -If a cell containing 5% salt is placed into a glass of water with 20% salt, the water is hypertonic compared to the cell. TONICITY: Tonicity is the ability of a solution to induce movement of water in and out of a cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -Transferring the swollen red blood cells into a 5% solution (which is hypertonic) will drive the water molecules from the cells causing them to shrink. To allow the red blood cells to sustain their shape and vitality they should be placed in the isotonic solution (0.9% NaCl).

Detailed explanation-3: -For example, a solution containing 10% salt is hypertonic. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic environment, there is a net movement of water to the outside of the cell (from the higher water environment inside the cell). The cell shrinks in response. A solution of low solute concentration is referred to as hypotonic.

Detailed explanation-4: -Final answer: When the cell when it is placed in salt solution, it will shrinks.

Detailed explanation-5: -But the given concentration is 2%. Hence, it is hypertonic with blood cells and the solvent flow will be towards NaCl solution from red blood cells. Cells will eventually get shrink leading to crenation.

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