Question

What happens when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution?

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

Answer 1

The correct option is A There will be a net flow of water out of the cell, and the cell will lose volume.

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.