Which term describes a solution with lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to move in?

Which term describes a solution with lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to move in?

• A. Food Web
• B. Isotonic
• C. Hypotonic
• D. Hypertonic

Answer: (C)

When a cell is placed in a solution, water moves by osmosis toward the side with more solute (lower water potential). If the solution outside has a lower solute concentration than the inside, the outside is described as hypotonic to the cell. The interior has relatively more solutes and lower water potential, so water flows into the cell. This makes the cell swell—in plants the cell wall limits expansion and creates turgor pressure, while in animal cells excessive swelling can cause bursting. The terms isotonic and hypertonic describe, respectively, equal solute on both sides (no net water movement) and higher solute outside (water moves out).

When a cell is placed in a solution, water moves by osmosis toward the side with more solute (lower water potential). If the solution outside has a lower solute concentration than the inside, the outside is described as hypotonic to the cell. The interior has relatively more solutes and lower water potential, so water flows into the cell. This makes the cell swell—in plants the cell wall limits expansion and creates turgor pressure, while in animal cells excessive swelling can cause bursting. The terms isotonic and hypertonic describe, respectively, equal solute on both sides (no net water movement) and higher solute outside (water moves out).