Three cells are placed in three solutions of different concentrations. Determine the concentration of the solutions based on the predominant movement of water molecules through the cells.

The solutions around the cells can be:

1. Isotonic-when the concentration of solutions is equal inside and out the cell,

2. Hypotonic-when the concentration of solutions outside the cell is lower then inside the cell. The water will get into the cell via osmosis and as a consequence the cell will swell.

3. Hypertonic-the concentration of solutions outside the cell is higher then inside the cell, so the water will move outside. The cell will shrink.

Isotonic solution: if cell volume does not changes since there is no net movement of water.

Hypertonic solution: If there is net movement of water out of the cell

Hypotonic solution: If there is net movement of water from outer solution to the cell.

Explanation:

When placed in an isotonic solution, cells do not show the net movement of water since the concentration of the solution is equal on both sides of the cell membrane. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration and osmosis occurs from the cell towards the solution to balance the concentration. A hypotonic solution has lower solute concentration than cell and the direction of osmosis is towards inside of the cell.