If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution water is lost –

Options

A. First from vacuole then from cytoplasm
B. First from cytoplasm then from vacuole
C. Cytoplasm only
D. Vacuole only

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Hypertonic Solution**: A hypertonic solution is defined as a solution where the concentration of solute is greater than the concentration of water. This means that outside the cell, there are more solute particles compared to the water molecules.

2. **Cell Placement in Hypertonic Solution**: When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, the concentration of water inside the cell is higher than that outside. This creates a concentration gradient where water will move from an area of higher concentration (inside the cell) to an area of lower concentration (outside the cell).

3. **Direction of Water Movement**: Water moves out of the cell to balance the solute concentrations. It first exits the cytoplasm because it is in direct contact with the hypertonic solution.

4. **Sequence of Water Loss**: As water leaves the cytoplasm, it will subsequently leave the vacuole. The vacuole is a storage organelle within the cell that holds water and other substances. However, since the cytoplasm is the first point of contact with the hypertonic solution, water loss occurs there first.

5. **Effect on Cell Structure**: As water exits the cell, the plasma membrane will begin to shrink away from the cell wall due to the loss of water. The cell wall remains intact, but the cell itself appears shriveled or shrunk.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water is lost first from the cytoplasm and then from the vacuole.

**Final Answer**: Water is lost first from the cytoplasm, then from the vacuole.

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