Question

Three cells are placed in three solutions of different concentrations. Determine the concentration of the solutions based on the predominant

movement of water molecules through the cells.

isotonic

hypertonic

hypotonic

Solution 1

Solution 2

Solution 3

Answer 1

The solutions around the cells can be:
1. Isotonic-when the concentration of solutions is equal inside and out the cell,
2. Hypotonic-when the concentration of solutions outside the cell is lower then inside the cell. The water will get into the cell via osmosis and as a consequence the cell will swell.
3. Hypertonic-the concentration of solutions outside the cell is higher then inside the cell, so the water will move outside. The cell will shrink.