The ECF around a human cell that is shrinking due to a loss of water is
A)hypotonic
B)hypertonic
C)more dilute than the cytoplasm
D)both a and c
E)likely losing free water

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A shrinking human cell due to a loss of water indicates that the concentration of solutes in the extracellular fluid (ECF) is higher than that of the cytoplasm. This means that the ECF is hypertonic compared to the cytoplasm. Therefore, the best choice is B. Choice A (hypotonic) is the opposite of the correct answer. Choice C (more dilute than the cytoplasm) is also incorrect because a hypertonic solution is more concentrated, not dilute. Choice D (both A and C) is partially correct but not the best because Choice A is incorrect. Choice E (likely losing free water) is not necessarily true; the water loss could be due to any solute, not just free water.

The ECF Around a Human Cell That Is Shrinking Due