Compatible Solutes Counteract the Tendency of a Cell to Become

Question

Compatible solutes counteract the tendency of a cell to become
A) buoyant in high ionic strength environments.
B) hyperosmotic in low ionic strength environments.
C) dehydrated in high ionic strength environments.
D) viscous in low ionic strength environments.

Accepted Answer

Compatible solutes are small organic molecules that can accumulate in the cytoplasm of organisms to counteract the effects of high ionic strength environments. These solutes help to prevent water from leaving the cell, which would lead to dehydration. Therefore, the correct option is C, dehydrated in high ionic strength environments.