The ideal osmotic environment for an animal cell is a(n) ____ environment.

• A. isotonic
• B. acidic
• C. hypotonic
• D. hypertonic

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmotic environments: these refer to the relative concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to inside the cell.
2. Define isotonic environment: it is when the solute concentration outside the cell is equal to the solute concentration inside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
3. Define hypotonic environment: the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside, causing water to move into the cell, which can lead to swelling or bursting.
4. Define hypertonic environment: the solute concentration outside the cell is higher than inside, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinking or crenation.
5. Recognize that the ideal osmotic environment for an animal cell is isotonic because it maintains cell volume and function by preventing excessive water movement.