A hypotonic solution
A)has a lower concentration (number)of impermeant solute than do the cells in the solution.
B)would cause cells in the solution to lose water.
C)has a higher osmotic pressure than do the cells in the solution.
D)causes cells to shrink.

Question

A hypotonic solution
A)has a lower concentration (number)of impermeant solute than do the cells in the solution.
B)would cause cells in the solution to lose water.
C)has a higher osmotic pressure than do the cells in the solution.
D)causes cells to shrink.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of impermeant solute than do the cells in the solution. This means that there is more water outside the cell than inside the cell, causing water to move into the cell, which can result in cell swelling or even bursting (lysis).

Answer: B
 A hypotonic solution would cause cells in the solution to lose water. This is an incorrect statement because hypotonic solutions have more water and less solute than the cell, causing water to enter the cell, leading to swelling or even bursting (lysis).

Answer: C
 A hypotonic solution has a lower osmotic pressure than do the cells in the solution, not a higher osmotic pressure. This is because the concentration of impermeant solute is lower in the hypotonic solution than in the cell, causing water to move into the cell.

Answer: D
 A hypotonic solution does not cause cells to shrink. In fact, it causes cells to swell or even burst (lysis) because of the higher water concentration outside the cell compared to inside the cell.

A Hypotonic Solution