Final answer:
In a hypertonic solution, cells tend to shrink as water moves out to balance the higher external solute concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells in a hypertonic solution tend to shrink due to the osmotic movement of water out of the cell. This process occurs because the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside, leading to a net flow of water outwards to balance the solute concentrations across the membrane. Without a rigid cell wall, animal cells are particularly vulnerable to shrinking, a process known as crenation. In contrast, plant cells become plasmolyzed, where the cell membrane detaches from the cell wall due to water loss. In both cases, the cells become dehydrated and compromised in their normal function.