A cell is dropped into a hypertonic solution. Which of the following statements is the most likely explanation of what happens next?
Solutes move into the cell.
There is no net movement of water or solutes.
Solutes move out of the cell.
Water moves out of the cell.
Water moves into the cell.
Solutes move out of the cell.
In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside the cell. This creates a concentration gradient that drives the movement of solutes out of the cell in order to balance the concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This results in the loss of water from the cell, causing it to shrink or shrivel up.