Question

hypertonic
isotonic
hypotonic
quick check
a red blood cell shrivels in salt water →
a houseplant perks up after watering →
a cell stays the same in saline →
solution.
solution.
solution.
hypertonic solution
hypotonic solution
isotonic solution

Explanation:

• When a cell stays the same in saline, it's in an isotonic solution (equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell).
• When a houseplant perks up after watering (water enters the cells), it's in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration outside the cell).
• When a red - blood cell shrivels in salt water (water leaves the cell), it's in a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration outside the cell).

Answer:

• A cell stays the same in saline → isotonic solution.
• A houseplant perks up after watering → hypotonic solution.
• A red blood cell shrivels in salt water → hypertonic solution.