An isotonic solution
A) has a greater concentration of solute particles than a cell.
B) has more water entering than leaving a cell.
C) has the same osmotic pressure as the cells in the solution.
D) causes a cell to shrink.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An isotonic solution has the same osmotic pressure as the cells in the solution. This means that the concentration of solute particles outside the cell is the same as inside the cell, causing no net movement of water into or out of the cell, and thus leading to no change in the volume of the cell. Option A is incorrect as an isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solute particles as a cell. Option B is incorrect because if more water entered than left the cell, the solution would be hypotonic, not isotonic. Option D is incorrect as an isotonic solution does not cause a cell to shrink as there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

An Isotonic Solution