Myla
Oct 7, 2007, 07:11 PM
What happens when a bacterial cell is placed in a solution containing 5% NaCl?
templelane
Oct 10, 2007, 11:15 AM
Right I've worked that out as an 11.5M solution, that is really high molarity. Most bacteria can withstand an osmotic pressure of up to 3.5% salt (as in seawater) due to the fact they have strong cell walls.
However Halophiles (salt-loving) live in conditions ranging from 18% to 24%.
So there is a good chance the cell will swell and lyse but I wouldn't say 100% as it will depend on the cell strain.
What are you asking this for?