How does the concentration of solutes in a hypertonic solution compare to the cell's?

Rationale

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's.

In the context of osmosis and cell biology, solutions are typically described as isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic. These terms refer to the relative concentration of solutes (substances dissolved in a liquid) in a solution compared to the interior of a cell. If a solution is hypertonic, it has a higher solute concentration than the cell.

A (Same as) YOUR ANSWER

If a solution had the same solute concentration as the cell, it would be described as isotonic, not hypertonic. In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell, since the osmotic pressures inside and outside the cell are equal.

B (Lower than) YOUR ANSWER

A solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell is described as hypotonic, not hypertonic. In a hypotonic solution, water tends to move into the cell, which can cause the cell to swell and potentially burst.

C (Higher than) CORRECT

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell. In this environment, water tends to move out of the cell to try and equalize the concentration of solutes. This can result in the cell shrinking or shriveling due to water loss.

D (Negative) YOUR ANSWER

A solution's solute concentration cannot be negative. This term doesn't apply in the context of comparing solute concentrations.

Conclusion

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's interior. This causes water to move out of the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes, which can lead to the cell shrinking or shriveling. The other options described either an isotonic solution (same solute concentration), a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration), or a non-applicable situation (negative solute concentration).

How does the concentration of solutes in a hypertonic solution compare to the cell's?

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's.

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