Question

define each term in the table below

1. hypertonic cell environment
2. hypotonic cell environment
3. isotonic cell environment

Explanation:

A hypertonic cell environment is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside. This causes water to move out of the cell (osmosis), potentially leading to cell shrinkage. A hypotonic cell environment has a lower solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. Water moves into the cell, which may cause it to swell or even burst (in non - plant cells without a rigid cell wall). An isotonic cell environment has equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell. There is no net movement of water, and the cell maintains its normal shape and size.

Answer:

1. Hypertonic cell environment: Higher solute concentration outside the cell. Water moves out (osmosis), cell may shrink.
2. Hypotonic cell environment: Lower solute concentration outside the cell. Water moves in, cell may swell/burst.
3. Isotonic cell environment: Equal solute concentrations. No net water movement, cell maintains shape/size.