Question

write it! analyze how osmosis affects the size of the cell when placed in either an isotonic, hypotonic or hypertonic solution. discuss the direction of the movement of water across the cell membrane for each situation above and how this affects cell size.

Explanation:

In an isotonic solution, the solute - water concentration is the same inside and outside the cell. So, there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, and the cell size remains the same. In a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside. Water moves into the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell or even burst. In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration outside the cell is higher than inside. Water moves out of the cell by osmosis, leading to cell shrinkage or crenation.

Answer:

In isotonic solution: no net water movement, cell size unchanged. In hypotonic solution: water moves into the cell, cell swells. In hypertonic solution: water moves out of the cell, cell shrinks.