Question

1. describe what happens to a cell when it is placed in each of the following solutions:

hypertonic solution
hypotonic solution

Explanation:

Hypertonic Solution:

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration (and lower water potential) than the cell’s cytoplasm. By osmosis, water moves out of the cell (from an area of higher water potential inside the cell to lower water potential outside in the solution). For animal cells, this causes the cell to shrink (crenation) as water leaves. For plant cells, the protoplast (cell membrane and its contents) pulls away from the cell wall (plasmolysis) since the rigid cell wall can’t shrink, but the protoplast loses water and shrinks.

Hypotonic Solution:

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration (and higher water potential) than the cell’s cytoplasm. Osmosis causes water to move into the cell (from higher water potential in the solution to lower water potential inside the cell). Animal cells may swell and burst (lysis) because they lack a rigid cell wall to limit expansion. Plant cells take in water, become turgid (the cell wall exerts turgor pressure to counteract further water intake), and this turgidity helps support the plant.

Answer:

Solution Type	What Happens to the Cell
Hypotonic Solution	Water enters the cell (osmosis). Animal cells swell/burst (lysis); plant cells become turgid (cell wall prevents bursting, supports plant).