Q26: What happens to a cell (plant cell or animal cell) when placed in the

following solutions:
(a)

Hypotonic solution

(b)

Isotonic solution

(c)

Hypertonic solution

Answer:
(a)
Hypotonic Solution: external solution is dilute i.e. high water concentration
(low solute concentration). In this case water will rush into the cell and it will gain
water.
(b)
Isotonic Solution: external solution concentration is same as internal
solution concentration of the cell. In this case, there is no net movement of
water.
(c)
Hypertonic Solution: external solution is of high solute concentration i.e.
low water concentration. Here water will rush out from cell and it will
shrivel/shrink.