What happens to a plant cell in a hypertonic environment?

In a hypertonic environment, the concentration of solutes outside the plant cell is higher than inside the cell. As a result, water moves out of the cell through osmosis in an attempt to balance the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane. This movement of water causes the plant cell to lose turgor pressure, which can lead to a condition known as plasmolysis.

During plasmolysis, the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to the loss of water, and the cell shrinks. This process can adversely affect the plant's ability to functioning properly, as it may lead to wilting and reduced capability to carry out essential processes like photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. In contrast, in a hypotonic environment, water would enter the cell, leading to swelling, and in isotonic conditions, the cell would remain unchanged. Division of the cell does not specifically relate to its environment's tonicity, making plasmolysis the correct response to the situation described.