If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, would it shrink or grow? Why?

Answer 1

The cell would shrink.

The outside solution has a less water per solute. (For example: 1 water molecule per 10 molecules of other stuff).

The inside of the cell has "more" water comparatively to the outside solution (For example: 4 water molecules per 10 molecules of other stuff).

Therefore, the water wants to go to a lower concetration of water, so it will flow out of the cell and into the hypertonic solution, leaving less inside the cell and causing it to shrink.

Hope this cleared up this concept!

Answer 2

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, the cell would shrink because there is less H20 outside of the cell and therefore the cell would lose water to the environment.

Answer 3

Shrink!!! Hypertonic=lots of water-attracting molecules in solution. Water will diffuse out of the cell until both the cell and the solution are isotonic (equal amounts of solute).

We all know that a drop of water on dry paper will spread. Both the solution and the interior of the cell may seem "wet", but the solution has more solute molecules and is therefore less wet! Water will be attracted to the molecules outside the cell, and any that find a way out will probably stay there.

Answer 4

it will shrink because of the differences in the concentration of solute between the cell and in the interstitial fluid....water will flow down the concentration gradient....thus,it causes the cell to shrink or crenation...

Answer 5

i couldnt be wrong, but i think it will shrink because there is more salt in the solution.

Answer 6

u would lose cell reception

Answer 7

it will grow because of osmosis.