Question

which statement below best describes how a cell responds to its external environment? 1) if the concentration of solute external to the cell is less than the internal environment, water passes out of the cell 2) if the concentration of solute external to the cell is greater than the internal environment, water passes out of the cell 3) if the concentration of solute external to the cell is equal to the internal environment, water passes into of the cell 4) the difference in concentration of solids in a cells external environment has no effect on how water moves in and out of the cell

Explanation:

Cells respond to solute - concentration differences through osmosis. When the external solute concentration is higher (hypertonic environment), water moves out of the cell to balance the concentration. When the external solute concentration is lower (hypotonic environment), water moves into the cell. When concentrations are equal (isotonic environment), there is no net movement of water.

Answer:

1. If the concentration of solute external to the cell is greater than the internal environment, water passes out of the cell