Biology 2016 JAMB Past Questions - Question 26: Which of the following can cause shrinkage of living cells?

Correct Answer

D

Explanation

Hypertonic solution is a solution of high osmotic concentration which exerts high osmotic pressure on living ceils which are immersed in it. The living cells have hypotonic solution because they have streaming cytoplasm which contains sugar and salt which has low osmotic concentration. By osmosis, water is drawn from the living ceilsinto the surrounding hypertonic solution through their cell membrane which actsas semi permeable membrane. The cytoplasm shrinks from the cell membrane resulting in plasmolysis. Isotonic solution refers to two solutions that have the same osmotic concentration and therefore exerts the same osmotic pressure. Thus, water molecules do not move from one solution to another Deionized water - water that does not undergo electrolysis{passed through electricity) to produce ions ^hydrogen and hydroxy! ions)examples water drawn from the stream, rain water etc.