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BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

In a hypertonic solution, a red blood cell will undergo crenation (shrink), because the net movement of water is

A. Into the cell, causing it to swell
B. Out of the cell to the area of lower water concentration
✓
C. Equal in both directions, so there is no net change
D. Blocked by the cholesterol in the cell membrane

📝 Explanation

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration (lower water concentration/water potential) than the cell's interior. Water moves out of the cell by osmosis towards the lower water potential, causing the cell to shrink and its surface to become scalloped (crenation).

📖 Additional Information

  • Into the cell, causing it to swell
  • Out of the cell to the area of lower water concentration
  • Equal in both directions, so there is no net change
  • Blocked by the cholesterol in the cell membrane

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration (lower water concentration/water potential) than the cell's interior. Water moves out of the cell by osmosis towards the lower water potential, causing the cell to shrink and its surface to become scalloped (crenation).

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