What is the effect on water when ECF becomes hypertonic
A)Water movement is unaffected.
B)Water moves into the cells by active transport.
C)Water moves into the cells by osmosis.
D)Water moves out of the cells by osmosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the extracellular fluid (ECF) becomes hypertonic, meaning it has a higher solute concentration than the intracellular fluid (ICF), water moves out of the cells by osmosis. This is because the water molecules diffuse from an area of lower solute concentration (ICF) to an area of higher solute concentration (ECF) in order to balance the concentration on either side of the cell membrane. As a result, the cells shrink and may become damaged if the hypertonicity is severe or prolonged.

What Is the Effect on Water When ECF Becomes Hypertonic