Question

which of the following describes a hypotonic solution?
a higher concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside
an equal concentration of solutes in both the solution and the cell
a lower concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside

Explanation:

To determine the correct option for a hypotonic solution, we recall the definition: a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to the inside.

• The first option ("a higher concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside") describes a hypertonic solution.
• The second option ("an equal concentration of solutes in both the solution and the cell") describes an isotonic solution.
• The third option ("a lower concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside") matches the definition of a hypotonic solution.

Answer:

C. a lower concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside (assuming the third option is labeled C; if the original options have different labels, adjust accordingly based on the visual. From the text, the third option is "a lower concentration of solutes outside of the cell than inside".)