Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Osmosis

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Osmosis

Previous problemNext problem

1:54 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

If a solution surrounding a cell is hypertonic relative to the inside of the cell, how will water move?a. It will move into the cell via osmosis.b. It will move out of the cell via osmosis.c. It will not move, because equilibrium exists.d. It will evaporate from the cell surface more rapidly.

Verified step by step guidance

insert step 1: Understand the concept of tonicity. Tonicity refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution relative to another solution. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

insert step 2: Recall the principle of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

insert step 3: Apply the concept of osmosis to the scenario. Since the solution outside the cell is hypertonic, it has a higher solute concentration than the inside of the cell.

insert step 4: Determine the direction of water movement. Water will move from the area of lower solute concentration (inside the cell) to the area of higher solute concentration (outside the cell) to achieve equilibrium.

insert step 5: Conclude that water will move out of the cell via osmosis, which corresponds to option b.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process continues until equilibrium is reached, where the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the membrane. Understanding osmosis is crucial for predicting how water will move in response to different solute concentrations.

Hypertonic Solution

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the cell to balance the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. This concept is essential for understanding the effects of different solutions on cell volume and integrity.

Cell Membrane Permeability

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it allows certain substances to pass while blocking others. Water can move freely through the membrane via specialized channels called aquaporins, but solutes cannot pass as easily. This property is vital for understanding how cells interact with their environment and how they respond to changes in solute concentration.