Question

A cell is in a solution with the simple sugar glucose. The concentration of glucose outside the cell is 30%, and the concentration of glucose inside the cell is 20%. Do the following for this cell: Identify the type of solution the cell is in. Describe the direction in which water needs to move to restore equilibrium.

Answer 1

Answer: This is a hypertonic solution. The water will move from inside the cell to outside the cell.

Explanation: There are three types of solutions based on the solute concentrations:

1. Hypotonic Solutions: In these solution, the concentration of solute is more inside the cell than outside the cell. The water inside the cell is less and hence the water will move from outside to inside and will result in the swelling of the cell.

2. Isotonic Solutions: In these solution, the concentration of solute inside the cell is same as outside the cell. The water will not move anywhere.

3. Hypertonic Solutions: In these solution, the concentration of solute is more outside the cell than inside the cell. The water outside the cell is less and hence the water will move from inside to outside the cell and will result in the shrinkage of the cell.

As per the question, the cell is present where concentration of glucose is 30% outside the cell and the concentration of glucose is 20% inside the cell. As, the concentration of solute is more outside the cell.

Hence, the cell is present in hypertonic solution and water will move from inside the cell to outside the cell.

Answer 2

The cell is in a hypertonic solution. Because there are more solutes outside the cell, the water will flow outside the cell in order to restore equilibrium.