To compare hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions:
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Hypertonic solution: The concentration of solute is higher outside the cell than inside. Water moves out of the cell to balance the solute concentrations, leading to cell shrinkage (crenation).
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Hypotonic solution: The concentration of solute is lower outside the cell than inside. Water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst (lysis) if the difference is significant enough.
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Isotonic solution: The concentrations of solute and solvent are equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water. The cell remains the same size.
When an environment is hypertonic, the correct option is:
The environment has more solute, so solvent moves from inside the cell to outside, causing the cell to shrink.