Question

multiple choice question
what type of extracellular solution would cause water to move into the cell leading to swelling, and possibly lysis?

hypertonic
hypotonic
isotonic

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the tonicity concepts:

• A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell, so water moves out of the cell (cell shrinks).
• A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration outside the cell, so water moves into the cell (cell swells, may lyse).
• An isotonic solution has equal solute concentrations inside and outside, so no net water movement.

Since the question asks for a solution causing water to move into the cell (swelling, lysis), the correct type is hypotonic.

Answer:

B. Hypotonic