**Plasmolysis**

Plasmolysis is the process in which the protoplasm or cytoplasm of a cell shrinks and pulls away from the cell wall due to the loss of water through osmosis. It is a common phenomenon observed in plant cells when they are placed in a hypertonic solution.

**Experimental Setup**

In this experiment, two beakers A and B are used. Beaker A contains plain water, while beaker B contains a concentrated sugar solution. An equal number of dry raisins are kept in both beakers for a few hours and then taken out.

**Observations**

After a few hours, the raisins in beaker A (containing plain water) remain plump and hydrated. On the other hand, the raisins in beaker B (containing concentrated sugar solution) become shriveled and dehydrated.

**Explanation**

When the raisins are placed in beaker A (plain water), the water inside the raisins moves outwards due to osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. As the raisins have a higher concentration of solutes (sugar, minerals, etc.) compared to the plain water, water molecules move out of the raisins to equalize the concentration on both sides of the membrane. However, as the raisins are surrounded by water, they remain plump and hydrated.

In beaker B (concentrated sugar solution), the raisins have a lower concentration of solutes compared to the sugar solution. As a result, water molecules move into the raisins through osmosis, trying to equalize the solute concentration. However, the concentrated sugar solution outside the raisins has a high concentration of solutes, which causes the water inside the raisins to move outwards. This loss of water from the raisins leads to the shrinkage of the protoplasm or cytoplasm, resulting in plasmolysis.

**Conclusion**

Based on the observations and explanation, it can be concluded that the shrinkage of protoplasm is known as plasmolysis. Plasmolysis is a reversible process, and when the raisins are placed back in a hypotonic solution or water, they will regain their original shape and size as water moves back into the cells through osmosis.