A Human Cell Placed in a 2% NaCl Solution (A

Question

A human cell placed in a 2% NaCl solution (a hypertonic solution) would
A) swell and lyse.
B) have a low osmotic pressure compared to the solution.
C) maintain its shape.
D) maintain a very high hydrostatic pressure.
E) exhibit no change.

Accepted Answer

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's cytoplasm, causing water to move out of the cell, resulting in the cell shrinking. Thus, the cell has a lower osmotic pressure compared to the hypertonic solution.