Question

If a cell is put into a solution with a higher concentration of solute than is present inside the cell, the solution is ____________. The cell will __________. If a cell is put into a solution with a lower concentration of solute than is present inside the cell, the solution is _____________. The cell will _________.

Answer 1

Answer:

The answers are: Hypertonic solution, shrink;  Hypotonic solution, swell

Explanation:

A hypertonic solution is a solution with relatively higher solute concentration. Whereas, hypotonic solution is a solution have relatively lower solute concentration.

When a cell is placed in hypertonic solution, solute concentration inside the cell is less than outside the cell. Thus the water diffuses outside the cell through the cell membrane, due to osmotic pressure. This causes the cell to shrink and wrinkle.

Whereas, when a cell is placed in hypotonic solution, solute concentration inside the cell is more than outside the cell. Thus the water diffuses inside the cell through the cell membrane, due to osmotic pressure. This causes the cell to swell.