1. Water Potential Difference:
* A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell's cytoplasm. This means the water potential outside the cell is lower than inside the cell.
2. Osmosis:
* Water moves from areas of high water potential (inside the cell) to areas of low water potential (outside the cell) through the cell membrane. This movement is driven by osmosis.
3. Cell Shrinking:
* As water leaves the cell, the cytoplasm shrinks and pulls away from the cell wall. The cell membrane detaches from the cell wall.
4. Plasmolysis:
* The process of the cytoplasm shrinking and pulling away from the cell wall is called plasmolysis.
Consequences of Plasmolysis:
* Wilting: In plants, plasmolysis can lead to wilting as the cells lose their turgor pressure and become flaccid.
* Reduced Photosynthesis: Plasmolysis can disrupt the normal functioning of the plant, including photosynthesis.
* Cell Death: If the plasmolysis is severe enough, the cell may die.
Reversal of Plasmolysis:
* Plasmolysis can be reversed by placing the plant cell in a hypotonic solution. The higher water potential of the hypotonic solution will cause water to move back into the cell, re-establishing turgor pressure.
Key Point: Plasmolysis is a protective mechanism that prevents the cell from bursting due to excessive water uptake. However, if the plasmolysis is prolonged, it can lead to cell damage and even death.
