Question

which term refers to a solution with a higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside the cell?
○ hypertonic
○ hypotonic
○ equitonic
○ isotonic

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the definitions of tonicity terms:

• Hypertonic: Solution with higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside.
• Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside than inside.
• Equitonic: Not a standard tonicity term (likely a distractor).
• Isotonic: Equal solute concentration inside and outside.

The question asks for a solution with higher solute concentration outside the cell, so the correct term is hypertonic.

Answer:

A. hypertonic