🎓 IB Exam Prep

A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will be the most likely immediate effect on the cell?

A The cell will swell and burst due to water influx.
B The cell membrane will pull away from the cell wall (plasmolysis).
C Water will move into the cell until equilibrium is reached.
D The turgor pressure within the cell will significantly increase.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell by osmosis, causing the protoplast to shrink and the cell membrane to pull away from the rigid cell wall (plasmolysis).

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