AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, there will be a net flow of water into the cell, and the cell will gain volume. If the solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, and the solutes cannot cross the membrane, then that solution is hypotonic to the cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -The condition in which the solution outside the cell has a lower solute concentration than the cellular fluids is a hypertonic solution.

Detailed explanation-3: -A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than inside the cell (the prefix hypo is Latin for under or below). The difference in concentration between the compartments causes water to enter the cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -The inside of a cell contains more solutes than the outside of the cell.

Detailed explanation-5: -With respect to blood serum, solutions having osmolarity less than 280 mOsm/liter are referred to as hypotonic solutions.