Question

A cell is placed in a solution that is hypotonic to the cell. Which of the following best describes movement of water in this situation? A. Water will only flow into the cell. B. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be out of the cell. C. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be into the cell. D. Water will only flow out of the cell.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be into the cell.

Explanation:

In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of water outside the cell is higher than inside the cell and the concentration of the solute is lower than inside the cell, therefore, water will flow in and out of the cell but the net movement of water will be from area having higher water concentration to lower concentration.

That means the net movement of water will be into the cell if a cell is placed into the hypotonic solution. Water moves in and out of a cell by the process called osmosis which is a type of diffusion.

This movement of water into the cell will swell cell and the cell can burst if it is not protected by a cell wall. Therefore the right answer is C.