Humber Admissions Practice Test

What defines a hypertonic solution?

1. More water inside the cell, less outside

2. Equal concentrations of solutes inside and outside the cell

3. Less water inside the cell, more outside

4. Constant cell volume without change

The correct answer is: Less water inside the cell, more outside

A hypertonic solution is characterized by having a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the cell in order to balance the solute concentrations across the cell membrane. This movement of water results in the cell losing water and potentially shrinking, as there is less water inside the cell and more water outside. In the context of the options provided, this aligns with the description of a hypertonic solution where the concentration gradient causes water to exit the cell. Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects the condition of the cell in a hypertonic environment. The other options describe different osmotic conditions that do not apply to hypertonic solutions. One option indicates an isotonic state, where concentrations are equal, while another suggests a situation where water is abundant inside the cell. The last choice implies that the cell volume remains constant, which is not the case in a hypertonic environment.