Question

1. Will the size of a piece of potato change when you put it in isotonic, hypotonic or hypertonic solution for several hours? If so explain why.

Answer 1

When we place a piece of potato in an isotonic solution the size of the potato will remain same even after several hours as there is no net movement of water molecules from one solution to another.

But in case of hypotonic solution the water will diffuse into the cells of the potato, causing them to swell; the cells may be characterized as being "turgid" or swollen.

But in hypertonic solution water from inside the potato moves out of the potato cells to the hypertonic solution, which causes the potato cells to shrink and becomes flaccid.