A cell is placed in a solution that is hypotonic to the cell. Which of the following best describes movement of water in this situation? a. Water will only flow into the cell. b. Water will only flow out of the cell. c. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be out of the cell. d. Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the overall net movement will be into the cell.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of tonicity: A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.
2. Recognize that water moves across the cell membrane by osmosis, from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration.
3. In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside, so water will move into the cell to balance the solute concentrations.
4. Consider the options: Water will flow into and out of the cell, but the net movement will be determined by the concentration gradient.
5. Conclude that the overall net movement of water will be into the cell, as it moves from the hypotonic solution into the cell to equalize solute concentrations.

Key Concepts

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is crucial for maintaining cell homeostasis and is driven by the concentration gradient of solutes. In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside, prompting water to move into the cell.

Hypotonic Solution

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell to balance the solute concentrations, which can lead to cell swelling and potentially bursting if the influx of water is excessive. Understanding this concept is essential for predicting the behavior of cells in different osmotic environments.

Net Movement of Water

The net movement of water refers to the overall direction of water flow when considering both the influx and efflux of water molecules. In a hypotonic environment, while water may move in and out of the cell, the net movement will be into the cell due to the higher internal solute concentration. This concept helps in understanding the dynamic equilibrium that cells strive to achieve in response to osmotic pressures.