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.

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.

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.