Answer :
Answer: Hypertonic
Explanation: The tonicity of a solution determines its relative solute concentration compared to a cell that may be present in that solution. The relative tonicities of two solutions determine the direction and level of osmosis, or water flow between the two solutions. Osmosis occurs between two solutions with different solute concentrations in an attempt to each concentration equilibrium between the solutions. Let's define each of the tonicity labels.
Hypotonic - The solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the inner environment of the cell. Thus, water from flow into the cell from the solution, resulting in the cell becoming flushed with water.
Isotonic - The solution has an equal solute concentration with the inner environment of the cell. Thus, the level of water flow is equal between the two environments as solute molarity equilibrium has already been achieved.
Hypertonic - The solution has a higher solute concentration compared to the inner solution within the cell. Thus, water will flow out of the cell at a greater rate, resulting in the cell shriveling up.
We're told that compared to its environmental surroundings, the solute concentration within the cell is low. Thus, the solution surrounding the cell must have a higher higher solute concentration. Therefore, the cell is in a hypertonic solution, so choice a is the correct answer.
