Question

a. the cell will swell because the salt water is hypotonic.
b. the cell will swell because the salt water is hypertonic.
c. the cell will shrivel because the salt water is hypotonic.
d. the cell will shrivel because the salt water is hypertonic.

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall osmosis concepts:

• Hypertonic solution: Higher solute (salt) concentration outside the cell. Water leaves the cell, causing it to shrivel.
• Hypotonic solution: Lower solute concentration outside the cell. Water enters the cell, causing it to swell.

Salt water has a higher salt concentration than a typical cell’s interior (so it’s hypertonic). Thus, water leaves the cell, making it shrivel.

Answer:

D. The cell will shrivel because the salt water is hypertonic.