Question

what goes in must come out quick check
what does it mean for an environment to be isotonic? (1 point)
○ the concentration of solute is greater in the environment than inside the cell.
○ the concentration of solute is greater inside the cell than in the environment.
○ the concentration of solute in the environment is different from the concentration inside the cell.
○ the concentration of solute in the environment and the concentration inside the cell are at equilibrium.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we recall the definition of an isotonic environment. An isotonic solution (or environment) has the same solute concentration as the solution (or cell) it is compared to, meaning the concentrations are at equilibrium.

• The first option describes a hypertonic environment (solute concentration higher outside the cell).
• The second option describes a hypotonic environment (solute concentration higher inside the cell).
• The third option describes a situation where the concentrations are different, which would be either hypertonic or hypotonic, not isotonic.
• The fourth option matches the definition of isotonic, as equilibrium in solute concentration is achieved.

Answer:

The concentration of solute in the environment and the concentration inside the cell are at equilibrium.