Algal cells are placed in an isotonic solution. Additional amounts of solutes are slowly added to the solution. What happens to the cells? A) They will begin to swell.

B) They will burst.

C) They will stay the same.

D) They will shrink.

The correct answer will be option-D

Explanation:

An isotonic solution is a solution which contains iso or the same amount of solute concentration to the inside of the cell.

If the solute is added to the isotonic solution then the solute concentration of the solution will be increased and thus the solution will be called a hypertonic solution. The hypertonic solution has high osmotic pressure and low water concentration.

When algal cell will be placed in a hypertonic solution then the algal cell will shrink as the water will move out of the algal cell as a result of the osmosis - the movement of the water from high concentration to low concentration.

Thus, option-D is the correct answer.