Question

describe the setting of the potato cells and their environment when they are in an isotonic solution.
hint: select two descriptions.
select all that apply:

• the osmolarity of the cells is higher than the osmolarity of the nacl solution.
• the osmolarity of the cells is the same as the osmolarity of the nacl solution.
• the osmolarity of the cells is lower than the osmolarity of the nacl solution.
• the water concentration is higher on the inside of the cells.
• the water concentration is near equal on the inside and outside of the cells.
• the water concentration is higher on the outside of the cells.

Explanation:

An isotonic solution means the osmolarity (solute concentration) of the extracellular environment matches that of the cell's interior. In this state, there is no net movement of water, so the % change in mass of the potato cells is 0 (where the linear fit crosses the x-axis on the graph). This corresponds to two descriptions: the osmolarity of the cells equals that of the NaCl solution, and the water concentration is nearly equal inside and outside the cells.

Answer:

• The osmolarity of the cells is the same as the osmolarity of the NaCl solution.
• The water concentration is near equal on the inside and outside of the cells.