Question

Which of the following accurately describes the hydrostatic pressure inside a cell if it is transferred from a hypertonic environment to a hypotonic environment?

1) The hydrostatic pressure inside the cell will decrease.
2) The hydrostatic pressure inside the cell will increase.
3) The hydrostatic pressure inside the cell will remain the same.
4) The hydrostatic pressure inside the cell cannot be determined.

Answer 1

The hydrostatic pressure inside the cell will increase when it is transferred from a hypertonic environment to a hypotonic environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a cell is transferred from a hypertonic environment to a hypotonic environment, the hydrostatic pressure inside the cell will increase.

In a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell. As the cell swells, the hydrostatic pressure inside the cell increases.

An example of this can be seen in red blood cells placed in a hypotonic solution. The low solute concentration outside the cell causes water to move into the cell, leading to cell swelling and potential lysis.