Question

if the environment surrounding a cell has a lower concentration of solute than the cell
the environment is isotonic to the cell.
the environment is hypertonic to the cell.
the cell will not experience a net gain or loss of water.
the environment is hypotonic to the cell.
the cell will die.

Explanation:

1. Recall the definitions of tonicity:

• Isotonic: Equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell.
• Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration outside the cell.
• Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside the cell (higher water concentration outside).

1. The problem states the environment has a lower solute concentration than the cell. So the environment is hypotonic (lower solute, higher water relative to cell).

• "Isotonic" is equal solute, so first option is wrong.
• "Hypertonic" is higher solute outside, so second option is wrong.
• In a hypotonic environment, water moves into the cell (net gain), so third option (no net gain/loss) is wrong.
• A cell in a hypotonic environment may swell but not necessarily die immediately, so fifth option is wrong.

Answer:

the environment is hypotonic to the cell.