Question

The solution outside of a cell is a hypertonic sugar-water solution. Which would typically be the result of osmosis so that a cell may maintain homeostasis? Select one: a. Water moves from the outside to the inside of the cell, causing the cell to shrivel. b. Water moves from the inside to the outside of the cell, causing the cell to shrivel. c. Water moves from the outside to the inside of the cell, causing the cell to swell. d. Water moves from the inside to the outside of the cell, causing the cell to swell.

Answer 1

The answer is B, water moves from the inside of the cell to the outside, due to osmosis.

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential. Through a semi permeable membrane. (which is the cell membrane)

As given, hypertonic solution means it has a lower water potential than the cell, it has less water molecules. So by the rule of osmosis, water molecules will flow from the cell back to the solution, so that equilibrium can be achieved.

When the cell lose so much water, the cell membrane shrinks, causing the cell to shrivel.

Therefore, the answer is B.