Question 2 — Two similar animal cells - Questions at the end of the chapter - Chapter 2 - Cell: The Building Block of Life (Exploration)

Last updated at July 10, 2026 by

Q 2
Question

Two similar animal cells are placed in two different solutions: Cell X is placed in pure water. Cell Y is placed in a concentrated salt solution. Cells are observed after some time. Cell X swells, and Cell Y shrinks. Which statement provides the correct explanation for the above observations? (i) Salt molecules moved into Cell Y, causing it to shrink. (ii) Water moved into Cell X and more water moved out of Cell Y than the salt solution entered in it. (iii) Water moved into Cell X and moved out of Cell Y through the cell membrane. (iv) Solute movement caused osmosis in both cells.

Image: Two animal cells, Cell X in pure water swelling as water enters it, and Cell Y in concentrated salt solution shrinking as water leaves it, with arrows showing water movement across the membranes.
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Answer
Option (iii) is correct.

Explanation

  • Water moves by osmosis across the cell membrane.
  • Cell X is in pure water, so water enters and it swells.
  • Cell Y is in strong salt solution, so water leaves and it shrinks.
  • The membrane lets water pass, not the salt.
Water enters X and leaves Y through the cell membrane.
Animal Cell in Two Solutions Animal Cell In Pure Water Water enters the cell. Cell swells and may burst. In Salt Solution Water leaves the cell. Cell shrinks (shrivels).
← Back to concept: 2.2.1 Cell membrane
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