Question

Which of the following scenarios is not possible? Select one: a. A plant cell in a hypertonic solution bursts. b. A plant cell in an isotonic solution becomes flaccid. c. An animal cell in a hypertonic solutions shrivels. d. An animal cell in a hypotonic solution bursts.

Answer 1

A isn't possible. 

B. A plant cell is in its prime condition as a hypotonic solution, because the plant cells need to be as big as possible so that the cell walls push together and the plant can be strong and not wilt. So a plant in an isotonic solution will become flaccid (or weak). 

C. Animal cells in hypertonic solutions will always shrivel because they are losing water. 

D. Animal cells in hypotonic solutions will always grow and burst because they are gaining water from the solution. An easy way to remember the difference between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions is that in hypotonic solutions, the cell will grow big, kind of like the O in hypOtonic. 

A. A plant cell in a hypertonic solution will shrivel, not burst. Even a plant cell in a hypOtonic solution will usually not burst, as explained in B.