Final answer:
In a hypertonic solution, cells lose water, causing animal cells to shrivel and plant cells to experience plasmolysis. Water moves to balance solute concentrations across the membrane, striving to maintain homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, which means the environment has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's interior, water will move out of the cells. This is because water follows a gradient to balance the solute concentration on both sides of the cell membrane, moving from areas of lower solute concentration (inside the cell) to areas of higher solute concentration (outside the cell). As water leaves the cell, it can cause animal cells to shrivel, a process known as crenation, while plant cells undergo plasmolysis, where the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall. In order to maintain homeostasis, cells prefer an isotonic environment where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside, preventing net water flow. Organ systems like the kidneys help in maintaining this balance.
In a hypertonic solution, the extracellular fluid has a higher osmolarity than the cell's cytoplasm. The fluid contains less water than the cell does, so water will leave the cell. This can cause an animal cell to shrivel or crenate.