Question

Concentrations of sodium dissolved in water are higher inside the cell than outside.

Which of the following best predicts which way the water will flow?

A. Water will remain in equal concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane.
B. Water will move from its low concentration (outside the cell) to the higher concentration (inside
the cell).
C. Water will move from its high concentration (outside the cell) to the lower concentration (inside
the cell).
D. Water will increase in concentration inside and outside the cell.

Answer 1

Water will move from outside the cell, where it is in higher concentration, to inside the cell, where the sodium concentration is higher, according to osmotic principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the concentrations of sodium are higher inside the cell than outside, according to the principles of osmosis, water will tend to move towards the higher concentration of solutes to achieve equilibrium. The correct answer is C: Water will move from its high concentration (outside the cell) to the lower concentration (inside the cell). This is because water moves from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration until equilibrium is reached. Consequently, water will enter the cell in an attempt to dilute the sodium concentration inside, balancing the concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane.