Question

If a cell has a solute concentration of 0.02 % which of the solutions would be hypotonic to the cell?

a) 0.1 %
b) 0.2 %
c) 0.02 %
d) 0.01 %

Answer 1

The hypotonic solution to a cell with a 0.02% solute concentration is 0.01%, as it has a lower solute concentration allowing water to enter the cell, potentially leading to cell expansion or bursting.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a cell has a solute concentration of 0.02%, a hypotonic solution to that cell would have a lower solute concentration compared to the solute concentration within the cell. Among the options provided, 0.01% would be the hypotonic solution for the cell since it has a lower solute concentration than the cell's 0.02% concentration.

It's important to understand that in a hypotonic solution, the net flow of water will move into the cell, which can lead to the cell expanding or even bursting. This is due to the water molecules moving down their concentration gradient, from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, which in this case is the inside of the cell.