Question

Font Paragraph 1. A cell is placed into an unknown solution and allowed to come to equilibrium. The volume of the cell is ultimately found to have increased. Which of the following statements is DEFINITELY TRUE concerning the original unknown solution? Assume all solutes inside the cell are not permeable to the cell membrane. (4 points) a. The original solution was hyposmotic to the cell b. The original solution could have been hyposmotic or isosmotic to the cell but not hyperosmotic c. The original solution could have been hyposmotic, isosmotic or hyperosmotic to the cell d. The original solution was hyperosmotic to the cell e. The original solution could have been hyperosmotic or isosmotic to the cell but not byposmotic, 2. A cell is found with the following concentrations of solutes inside: 300 mM glucose and 150 mM CaCl2. The cell membrane of these cells is made with pores which are permeable to glucose but not to ions. These cells are isolated and then placed in a 150 mM CaCl. What happened to the cells after the solution and the cells come to equilibrium? (4 Points) a. They cells remain the same size b. The cells have increased in size; they swell c. The cells have decreased in size; they shrink d. There is not enough information given in the problem to determine what happens

Answer 1

ANSWERS:

1) The correct option is

(a) i.e, the original solution was hyposmotic to the cell.

Since the membrane is not permeable to the solutes present inside the cell, the increase in volume must be due to the diffusion of solvent molecules into the cell. Hence, we can infer that the solution was hyposmotic (lower salt concentration), as compared to the cell.

As per Chegg guidelines, I'm permissible to answer only the first question. Herein, I've provided the answer to the first question with detailed explanation. Thanks.