Question

Solution A is hypotonic with respect to Solution B. What will happen when a cell from Solution B is placed in Solution A?

A) Water will move from the cell into the solution
B) No water will move from the cell or the solution
C) Water will move, but requires energy to do so
D) Water will move from the solution into the cell

Answer 1

When a cell from a hypertonic solution (Solution B) is placed in a hypotonic solution (Solution A), water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst, which is known as lysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a cell from Solution B, which is hypertonic, is placed into Solution A, a hypotonic solution, the environment outside the cell has a lower concentration of dissolved solutes compared to the inside of the cell. Consequently, water will move across the cell membrane from Solution A into the cell to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides.

This influx of water causes the cell to swell, which can lead to the cell expanding and potentially bursting in a process known as lysis. This illustrates the concept of osmosis, where water moves from an area of higher water concentration (hypotonic solution) to one of lower water concentration (hypertonic solution) through a selectively permeable membrane. Animal cells in particular are susceptible to lysis in a hypotonic solution, as they often lack rigid cell walls that provide resistance to expansion and bursting.