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Chapter 4: Problem 23

A cell will shrink if it is placed in a hypertonic solution. (true/false)

Short Answer

Expert verified
True, a cell will shrink in a hypertonic solution.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Key Terms

First, we need to understand the key term 'hypertonic solution'. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, meaning there is less water outside the cell than inside.
02

Predict Water Movement

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell where it is more concentrated to the area (outside) where it is less concentrated. This is due to osmosis, where water moves from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.
03

Determine Effect on Cell

As water leaves the cell, the cell loses volume and thus "shrinks" in size. This process is called crenation in animal cells and plasmolysis in plant cells.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Hypertonic Solution
In the context of cell biology, a hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside. This means that there is less water outside the cell than there is within.
Cells placed in a hypertonic solution experience an imbalance of water concentration, which triggers osmotic movement. Understanding how hypertonic solutions affect cells is crucial in fields such as medicine and biology, where cellular behavior impacts larger systems.
  • In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration is high outside the cell.
  • This imbalance causes water to move out of the cell.
  • It is essential to comprehend this concept to predict cellular responses in different environments.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the natural movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. This occurs from an area where water is more concentrated (or less solute) to an area where it is less concentrated (or more solute).
Osmosis is a type of passive transport; it does not require energy. It is a critical process for maintaining cell homeostasis.
  • Water moves to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
  • This process can cause cells to either swell or shrink, depending on the external environment.
  • Osmosis plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and waste removal.
Crenation
Crenation refers specifically to the shrinkage of animal cells. This happens when they are placed in a hypertonic solution. As water leaves the cell through osmosis, the cell volume decreases, leading to shrinkage.
This process is visible under a microscope where the cell may appear wrinkled or scalloped.
  • Crenation is not a healthy state for cells and can lead to cell death if prolonged.
  • Understanding crenation helps in medical procedures, such as handling blood samples.
Plasmolysis
Plasmolysis occurs in plant cells when they are immersed in a hypertonic solution. As water exits the plant cell, the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall.
This is usually not desirable for plant cells as it can lead to wilting and plant tissue damage.
  • Plasmolysis can be observed as a gap between the cell wall and membrane.
  • It teaches us the importance of water balance in plant health.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Oubain is a drug that blocks the \(\mathrm{Na}^{+} / \mathrm{K}^{+}\) pump. Describe and explain the effects you would expect oubain to have on (1) sodium concentration gradients across cell membranes, (2) potassium concentration gradients across cell membranes, and (3) movement of molecules by secondary active transport coupled with sodium.

Assuming that only impermeant solutes are present, which of the following will occur when a cell is placed in a solution whose osmolarity is \(200 \mathrm{mOsm}\) ? a) Water will move into the cell. b) Water will move out of the cell. c) Water will not cross the cell membrane.

Compare the diffusion of molecules through the lipid bilayer to the diffusion of ions through channels. Compare simple diffusion to facilitated diffusion.

Which of the following molecules would be most likely to cross the lipid bilayer by simple diffusion? a) A small polar molecule b) A large polar molecule c) A small nonpolar molecule d) A large nonpolar molecule

The osmotic pressure of a solution depends on a) The concentrations of all solute particles contained in it. b) The concentrations of all permeant solute particles contained in it. c) The concentrations of all impermeant solute particles contained in it. d) The pressure exerted on the solution by the atmosphere. e) The volume of water in which the solute particles are dissolved.
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