Question

question 13 of 15
a cell has an internal concentration of sodium chloride equal to 9 g/l. a sodium chloride (nacl) solution was prepared in a lab at a concentration of 8 g/l. which of the following describes the effect of placing the cell in this solution?
a. the solution is hypotonic to the cell, so the cell will lose water and shrivel.
b. the solution is hypertonic to the cell, so the cell will lose water and shrivel.
c. the solution is hypertonic to the cell, so the cell will take in water and burst.
d. the solution is hypotonic to the cell, so the cell will take in water and burst.

Explanation:

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than the cell. Here, the solution has 8 g/L NaCl compared to 9 g/L in the cell. Water moves from the hypotonic solution into the cell by osmosis, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Answer:

D. The solution is hypotonic to the cell, so the cell will take in water and burst.