Question

Which of these solutions is isotonic to plant cells - 0.9% NaCl, tap water, or 10% NaCl?

1) 0.1
2) 1.5
3) 2.0
4) 0.9

Answer 1

The 0.9% NaCl solution is isotonic to plant cells as it has the same osmolarity as the cell. Tap water would cause plant cells to swell, while the 10% NaCl solution would cause them to shrink.

Step-by-step explanation:

In plant cells, an isotonic solution has the same osmolarity as the cell. This means that the concentration of solute in the solution is equal to the concentration of solute in the cell. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Out of the options given, the 0.9% NaCl solution is isotonic to plant cells because it has the same osmolarity as the cell. Tap water would be hypotonic to plant cells, causing them to swell, while the 10% NaCl solution would be hypertonic, causing plant cells to shrink.