Which term describes a solution with a higher solute concentration than inside the cell?

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Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a solution with a higher solute concentration than inside the cell?

Explanation:
Understanding tonicity means comparing solute levels outside and inside the cell. When the outside solution has a higher solute concentration than inside, water moves out of the cell to try to balance things. This environment is called a hypertonic solution, and as water leaves, the cell shrinks. If outside and inside solute concentrations are equal, that’s isotonic. If outside is less concentrated, that’s hypotonic, and water moves in, causing the cell to swell. “Osmotic solution” isn’t a specific name for this situation. So the term describing a solution with higher solute concentration than inside the cell is hypertonic.

Understanding tonicity means comparing solute levels outside and inside the cell. When the outside solution has a higher solute concentration than inside, water moves out of the cell to try to balance things. This environment is called a hypertonic solution, and as water leaves, the cell shrinks. If outside and inside solute concentrations are equal, that’s isotonic. If outside is less concentrated, that’s hypotonic, and water moves in, causing the cell to swell. “Osmotic solution” isn’t a specific name for this situation. So the term describing a solution with higher solute concentration than inside the cell is hypertonic.

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