Crenation is the shriveling of a cell that lacks a cell wall when placed in a hypertonic environment. As the cell becomes dehydrated from water moving out, its plasma membrane contracts and takes on a scalloped or notched appearance.

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A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than another solution, such as the inside of a cell, causing water particles to diffuse out of the cell into the external environment. For instance, if a cell with $${}20\%$$ solute and $${}80\%$$ water is placed in a beaker containing $${}40\%$$ solute and $${}60\%$$ water, water will exit the cell, which can lead to crenation in cells lacking a cell wall.

Hypertonic Medium

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Crenation

Plasmolysis occurs in cells that possess a cell wall when they are placed in a hypertonic environment. During this process, the plasma membrane contracts and detaches from the cell wall, leading to a decrease in interior volume. However, the cell wall remains intact, allowing the cell to maintain some shape and integrity for a period of time before potentially dying.

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