[Campbell Biology P.1026] Which statement accurately describes the state of a cell and its en... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes the state of a cell and its environment if the cell is experiencing a net flow of water out of it?

  • A: The cell is hyperosmotic to its surroundings, and will lyse.
  • B: The cell is isoosmotic to its surroundings, and will be in osmotic balance.
  • C: The cell is hypoosmotic to its surroundings, and will shrivel.
  • D: The cell has a higher free H2O concentration than its surroundings, and will swell.

Explanation

The diagrams illustrate that a net flow of water out of a cell occurs when the cell is hypoosmotic to its surroundings. This means the cell has a higher free H2O concentration lower solute concentration than its environment. Consequently, water moves from the area of higher free H2O concentration inside the cell to the area of lower free H2O concentration outside the cell , causing the cell to shrivel.