The internal solute concentration of a plant cell is about 0.8 M. To demonstrate plasmolysis, it would be necessary to suspend the cell in what solution?

• A. Distilled water
• B. 0.4 M
• C. 0.8 M
• D. 150 mM.
• E. 1.0 M

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of plasmolysis: Plasmolysis occurs when a plant cell loses water after being placed in a hypertonic solution, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall.
2. Identify the internal solute concentration of the plant cell, which is given as 0.8 M.
3. Determine the type of solution needed to cause plasmolysis: A hypertonic solution is required, meaning the external solution must have a higher solute concentration than the internal concentration of the cell.
4. Evaluate the given options: Distilled water is hypotonic, 0.4 M is hypotonic, 0.8 M is isotonic, and 150 mM (0.15 M) is hypotonic. Only a solution with a concentration greater than 0.8 M will be hypertonic.
5. Conclude that a 1.0 M solution is hypertonic relative to the plant cell's internal concentration of 0.8 M, making it the correct choice to demonstrate plasmolysis.