If a cell swells after being placed in a solution, the solution is
A
hypertonic
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B
hypotonic
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C
isotonic
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D
none of the above
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Solution
The correct option is B hypotonic The cell swells due to the movement of solvent into the cell from the solution. This movement is called endosmosis. If the concentration of solute is low in the solution when compared to the cell sap, such a solution is called hypotonic. The cell swells in a hypotonic solution.
Whereas, if the concentration of solute is more in the solution than the cell, then such a solution is said to be hypertonic. In a hypertonic solution, the movement of solvent occurs from cell to the solution (exosmosis). The cell will shrink in a hypertonic solution.
If the concentration of the solvent in the solution and cell are equal then the solution is called isotonic. In such a solution, there will be no movement of solvent.