Question

a unicellular organism adapted to living in saltwater is placed in a freshwater tank. what is the likely outcome?
water moves out of the cell until the organism can adapt.
water and salt move in opposite directions until the organism can adapt.
water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrivel.
water moves into the cell, causing it to burst.
water moves into the cell until the organism can adapt.

Explanation:

When a unicellular organism adapted to saltwater (hypertonic environment) is placed in freshwater (hypotonic environment), water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (freshwater) to an area of higher solute concentration (inside the cell) by osmosis. Since the organism is adapted to saltwater, it may not have efficient mechanisms to handle the rapid influx of water.

Answer:

Water moves into the cell, causing it to burst.