A Solution That Contains a Lower Osmotic Pressure Than the Cytoplasm

Question

A solution that contains a lower osmotic pressure than the cytoplasm of a cell is called
A) merotonic.
B) hypertonic.
C) isotonic.
D) hypotonic.
E) homotonic.

Accepted Answer

A solution that contains a lower osmotic pressure than the cytoplasm of a cell is called hypotonic. In a hypotonic solution, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst. This is because there is a higher concentration of solutes (i.e. ions, sugars, etc.) inside the cell, creating a higher osmotic pressure compared to the surrounding solution.