Question

If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution :

• A. None of the above
• B. There will be a net flow of water into the cell, and the cell will gain volume.
• C. There will be a net flow of water out of the cell, and the cell will lose volume.
• D. There will be no net flow of water into or out of the cell, and the cell’s volume will remain stable.

Answer 1

The correct option is B There will be a net flow of water into the cell, and the cell will gain volume.

Theory :

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, there will be a net flow of water out of the cell, and the cell will lose volume. A solution will be hypertonic to a cell if its solute concentration is higher than that inside the cell, and the solutes cannot cross the membrane.
If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, there will be a net flow of water into the cell, and the cell will gain volume. If the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, and the solutes cannot cross the membrane, then that solution is hypotonic to the cell.
If a cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there will be no net flow of water into or out of the cell, and the cell’s volume will remain stable. If the solute concentration outside the cell is the same as inside the cell, and the solutes cannot cross the membrane, then that solution is isotonic to the cell.