A plant cell shrinks when it is kept in

Options

A. Hypotonic solution
B. Hypertonic solution
C. Isotonic solution
D. Water

Answer

To determine when a plant cell shrinks, we need to understand the effects of different types of solutions on plant cells. Here’s a step-by-step solution to the question:

### Step 1: Understand the Types of Solutions
- **Hypotonic Solution**: This solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When a plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell (endosmosis).

- **Hypertonic Solution**: This solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, leading to shrinkage (exosmosis).

- **Isotonic Solution**: This solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When a plant cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell remains unchanged.

- **Water**: Pure water can be considered a hypotonic solution for plant cells, as it has no solutes. Therefore, a plant cell placed in pure water will swell.

### Step 2: Analyze the Question
The question asks in which type of solution a plant cell shrinks. Based on our understanding of the solutions:

- In a **hypotonic solution**, the cell swells.
- In an **isotonic solution**, the cell remains the same.
- In **water**, the cell also swells.
- In a **hypertonic solution**, the cell shrinks.

### Step 3: Conclusion
From the analysis, we can conclude that a plant cell shrinks when it is placed in a **hypertonic solution**. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**Option 2: Hypertonic solution.**

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