Question

The cell membrane separating the extracellular fluid and the cytoplasm of a cell. The concentration of the solute is higher outside the cell. The cell is shown in two states: when it was just placed in this solute and over time. Over time, the cell decreased in size.

O hypotonic and isotonic
O isotonic
O hypotonic
O hypertonic
O hypertonic or isotonic

Answer 1

The cell decreased in size because it was in a hypertonic solution, where water moved out of the cell, resulting in the cell shrinking. The answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the concentration of solute outside the cell is higher than inside, the solution is hypertonic. Water moves by osmosis from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. If the cell decreases in size over time, this suggests that water is moving out of the cell to a hypertonic external environment, leading to the cell shrinking.

In summary, if the cell had been placed in a hypertonic solution where the solute concentration was higher outside than inside, water would leave the cell. In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, potentially causing it to burst. Thus, based on the information provided, the cell was in a hypertonic solution, which is why it decreased in size over time.