Question

what does it mean when a cell is in a hypertonic solution? the cell has more solutes than the solution and swells up. the cell has fewer solutes than the solution and shrivels up.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we recall the concept of tonicity in biology. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes (and lower water potential) than the cell. By osmosis, water moves out of the cell (from an area of higher water potential, inside the cell, to lower water potential, the hypertonic solution). If the cell has fewer solutes than the hypertonic solution, water leaves, causing the cell to shrivel. The first option is incorrect because a cell with more solutes than the solution would be in a hypotonic solution (water enters, cell swells).

Answer:

The cell has FEWER solutes than the solution and shrivels up.