Question

A hypertonic solution is prepared by the addition of sucrose. Which of the following would happen to bacteria placed in this solution:

A. The bacterial cells will swell, but not lyse
B. There will be no change in the bacterial cells
C. The bacterial cells will undergo osmotic lysis
D. The bacterial cells will undergo plasmolysis

Answer 1

In a hypertonic solution, bacterial cells will undergo plasmolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a hypertonic solution, water will leave bacterial cells. Without a cell wall, bacterial cells will lose water, shrivel, and likely die. With a cell wall, the plasma membrane will pull away from the cell wall as it shrivels, a process known as plasmolysis. Therefore, the correct answer is D. The bacterial cells will undergo plasmolysis.