Fluid That Has a Higher Osmotic Pressure Than a Cell

Question

Fluid that has a higher osmotic pressure than a cell is called ___________.
A) hypotonic
B) hypertonic
C) turgor pressure
D) isotonic
E) plasmolysis

Accepted Answer

A fluid with a higher osmotic pressure than a cell is called hypertonic. In this case, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink or undergo plasmolysis. A hypotonic solution has a lower osmotic pressure than a cell, causing water to move into the cell, potentially causing it to burst. Isotonic solutions have an equal osmotic pressure to a cell, resulting in no net movement of water. Turgor pressure refers to the pressure exerted by water inside a cell against the cell wall.