What type of solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell cytoplasm?

• A. Isotonic solution
• B. Hypertonic solution
• C. Hypotonic solution
• D. Supersaturated solution

Answer: (B)

A hypertonic solution is defined as one that has a higher solute concentration compared to the cytoplasm of a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the cell in an effort to balance the solute concentrations on either side of the cell membrane. This process is known as osmosis. As a result, the cell may shrink or undergo crenation due to the loss of water.

In contrast, an isotonic solution has equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell, leading to no net movement of water. A hypotonic solution contains a lower solute concentration than the cell cytoplasm, causing water to enter the cell, which can lead to swelling and possibly bursting. A supersaturated solution refers to a solution that contains more solute than can be normally dissolved at a given temperature, but it isn't a relevant term for comparing concentrations in the context of cellular dynamics.