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  • Cell Osmosis: What Happens in Hypertonic Solutions?
    When a cell is placed in a saline solution with a higher salt concentration than the cell's internal environment, the following will most likely occur:

    Water will move out of the cell. This is because the solution is hypertonic relative to the cell. Here's why:

    * Osmosis: Water moves from areas of high water concentration (low solute concentration) to areas of low water concentration (high solute concentration) across a semipermeable membrane (like the cell membrane).

    * Higher Salt Concentration: The saline solution has more salt (a solute) compared to the inside of the cell. This means the water concentration outside the cell is lower than inside.

    * Water Movement: To equalize the concentration, water will move out of the cell and into the surrounding solution.

    Consequences:

    * Cell Shrinking: The loss of water will cause the cell to shrink or shrivel, a process called crenation.

    * Potential Damage: If the water loss is significant, it can disrupt cellular functions and potentially lead to cell death.

    Important Note: The specific effects depend on the difference in salt concentration, the type of cell, and the duration of exposure.

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