Is the solution in the environment hypotonic or hypertonic? In which direction will the

E

elaine

New member
water move? Problem: A cell contains 85% water and is placed into a solution which contains 90% water. Is the solution in the environment hypotonic or hypertonic? In which direction will the water move?

My Problem: I don't understand where environment came from. The environment would be outside the cell, so where is the percentage of water for that? Please help me! Thanks :)
 
Answer:
If the cell contains 85% water and the surrounding environment, the solution in which the cell was placed, contains 90% water, then the water will flow into the cell or down the concentration gradient. The solution in the environment is considered hypotonic because it causes the cell to swell. Environment is just used to describe the surrounding fluids or factors contributing to the cell. We already know that the water level for the environment is 90% water because that was given to us. Water moves down the concentration gradient, or from higher concentrations to lower concentrations. This means that the water will move from 90% water concentration to the cell which is only 85% water concentration. Because water will rush into the cell, the cell will begin to swell, meaning this is a hypotonic solution.
 
Answer:
If the cell contains 85% water and the surrounding environment, the solution in which the cell was placed, contains 90% water, then the water will flow into the cell or down the concentration gradient. The solution in the environment is considered hypotonic because it causes the cell to swell. Environment is just used to describe the surrounding fluids or factors contributing to the cell. We already know that the water level for the environment is 90% water because that was given to us. Water moves down the concentration gradient, or from higher concentrations to lower concentrations. This means that the water will move from 90% water concentration to the cell which is only 85% water concentration. Because water will rush into the cell, the cell will begin to swell, meaning this is a hypotonic solution.
 
Back
Top