A cell placed in hypotonic solution has solutes that are __ concentrated inside the cell than in the solution outside the cell
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The solutes are more concentrated inside the cell than in the solution outside the cell.
Explanation (300 words):
When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. The term “hypotonic” means “below strength,” indicating that the extracellular fluid (outside the cell) has fewer solutes dissolved in it compared to the cytoplasm inside the cell.
Because of this difference in solute concentration, water moves across the cell membrane by osmosis — the passive movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, water moves into the cell where the solute concentration is higher.
This influx of water causes the cell to swell as its volume increases. If too much water enters, the cell may eventually burst or lyse due to the increased internal pressure. This is especially critical in animal cells, which lack a rigid cell wall.
In contrast, if a cell were placed in a hypertonic solution (where the outside solution has more solutes than inside the cell), water would move out of the cell, causing the cell to shrink or crenate.
The balance of solutes and water movement is crucial for cell survival and function. Cells maintain their internal environment through various mechanisms such as active transport of solutes and the use of ion channels to prevent excessive swelling or shrinking.
In summary, a hypotonic solution has fewer solutes than inside the cell, leading to water moving into the cell due to osmotic pressure, causing the cell to swell. Understanding this concept is essential in physiology, medicine, and biology because it explains how cells interact with their environment and maintain homeostasis.