Question

Assume a cell membrane is permeable to water, but not to Na+ or Cl- or any other solute. The NaCl concentration is higher outside the cell than inside the cell. The total solute concentration (osmolarity) is higher inside the cell than outside. What is the net result?
a. Na+ and Cl- will move into of the cell.
b. Water will move out of the cell.
c. Water will move out of the cell; Na+ and Cl- will move in.
d. Na+ and Cl- will move out of the cell.
e. Water will move into the cell.

Answer 1

Answer:

The net result is water will move into the cell (Option e)

Explanation:

If the total solute concentration is higher inside the cell than outside, the cell is inside an hypotonic solution, so the water outsie is in a big concentration.

As the concentration inside the cell is lower, the water needs to enter the cell to equal concentrations.

In this case,  if our cell were a red blood cell, and it is introduced into an hypotonic medium, as it does not have membrane, it enters directly and would cause the cell to explode, by lysis.

Remember:

Hypotonic: More concentrated inside

Hypertonic: More concentrated outside

Isotonic: Same concentrations, inside and outside.