A cell contains

20% solute. If it is

placed in a

solution with 35%

solute, what will

happen to the

cell?

Cell will shrink

Explanation

As the dissolved solute are much more outside the cell, so the water inside the cell will eventually flow outside so as to maintain equilibrium, causing shrinkage of cell. The ability of a cell to divide or function will reduce because of water loss.

This phenomenon is seen in case of hypertonic solution. The total molar concentration of dissolved solute is more than another solution or more than the concentration of solution present in cell.