Question:
If cells of Onion peel and RBC are separately kept in hypotonic solution what among the following will take place ? Explain the reason for your answer,
(a) Both the cells will swell
(b) RBC will burst easily while cells of Onion peel will resist the bursting to some extent
(c) $\mathrm{a}$ and $\mathrm{b}$ both are correct
(d) RBC and Onion peel cells will behave similarly.
Solution:
(b) RBC will burst as there is no mechanism to restrict entry of water into them. Onion peel cells do not burst. Endosmosis causes some initial swelling but cell wall puts a mechanical barrier to further swelling and entry of water. Therefore, they do not burst.