2006-11-18 17:13:22 · 4 answers · asked by elmo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The cell will shrink when osmotic pressure is less out side of the membrane then in. It loses water to the outside trying to balance, therefore shrinking.
2006-11-18 17:17:32 · answer #1 · answered by Timothy C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Osmosis is the net movement of water from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential across a partially permeable membrane.
So therefore, the net water movement can occur in 2 directions: out of the cell (exosmosis) and into the cell (endosmosis).
For a cell to shrink, there must be a net loss of water, ie water moves out of the cell. That must be exosmosis occurring.
2006-11-19 03:57:02 · answer #2 · answered by polarIS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cell shrinks when it is placed in a hypertonic solution. A hypertonic solution contains more solute than the cytosol of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.
2006-11-19 01:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by claykenny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If water leaves the cell it will die due to this. This is why bacteria can not survive in jam, due to the sugery/salty surrounding which would kill it. Fungi do just fine, how ever
2006-11-19 12:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Sara N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋