You know that this cell is in a(n) _____ solution because the cell _____.

• A. hypertonic; swells as water enters
• B. hypertonic; remains the same size
• C. hypotonic; swells as water enters
• D. isotonic; shrinks as water leaves

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms involved in the problem. A 'hypertonic' solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell, causing water to leave the cell. A 'hypotonic' solution has a lower solute concentration outside the cell, causing water to enter the cell. An 'isotonic' solution has equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
2. Step 2: Recall the process of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
3. Step 3: Analyze the behavior of the cell in the given scenarios. If the cell swells as water enters, it indicates that the surrounding solution is hypotonic. If the cell shrinks as water leaves, it indicates a hypertonic solution. If the cell remains the same size, it indicates an isotonic solution.
4. Step 4: Match the correct description to the correct solution type. Based on the problem, the correct answer is 'hypotonic; swells as water enters,' because water moves into the cell when the external solution has a lower solute concentration.
5. Step 5: Confirm your understanding by reviewing the definitions and the process of osmosis to ensure the reasoning aligns with the observed behavior of the cell in different solution types.