Question

Inside a cell, the cytoplasm consists of a 2% salt solution.

In which scenario would more water initially move into the cell? When the cell is placed into a...

Group of answer choices

2% salt solution

1% salt solution

3% salt solution

water always moves equally in all directions, regardless of the concentration of other substances

Answer 1

To determine the direction of water movement in relation to the salt solution concentrations, we need to consider the principle of osmosis. Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (hypotonic solution) to an area of higher solute concentration (hypertonic solution) to balance the concentration of solutes.

In this case, the cytoplasm of the cell has a 2% salt concentration. Here's how each option compares:

- **2% salt solution**: This is isotonic to the cytoplasm of the cell, so water will not preferentially move into or out of the cell; there will be no net movement.

- **1% salt solution**: This solution is hypotonic compared to the cytoplasm (lower concentration of salt). More water would move into the cell from this solution.

- **3% salt solution**: This solution is hypertonic compared to the cytoplasm (higher concentration of salt). Water would move out of the cell into this solution.

- **Water always moves equally in all directions**: This is not accurate in the context of osmosis, as water movement is influenced by solute concentrations.

The scenario where more water would initially move into the cell is when the cell is placed into a **1% salt solution**.