A hypertonic solution will cause the cell to do what?

A hypertonic solution will cause the cell to do what?

• A. Cause The Cell To Swell Because Of Water Flow Out Of The Cell
• B. Have No Effect On Cell Size
• C. Cause The Cell To Shrivel Because Of Water Flow Out Of The Cell
• D. Cause The Cell To Divide Rapidly

Answer: (C)

Hypertonic conditions pull water out of the cell because the outside solution has a higher solute concentration, lowering its water potential. Water moves from the inside to the outside, so the cell loses water and shrinks. Swelling would happen in a hypotonic environment where water enters, isotonic conditions yield no net size change, and rapid division isn’t caused by osmotic differences.

Hypertonic conditions pull water out of the cell because the outside solution has a higher solute concentration, lowering its water potential. Water moves from the inside to the outside, so the cell loses water and shrinks. Swelling would happen in a hypotonic environment where water enters, isotonic conditions yield no net size change, and rapid division isn’t caused by osmotic differences.