In a hypertonic solution, what happens to a cell?

In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. This osmotic imbalance causes water to move out of the cell in an effort to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. As a result, the cell loses water. The loss of water causes the cell to shrink or become plasmolyzed. This process is crucial for maintaining osmotic balance in cells and can influence cell function and viability.

In contrast, in isotonic solutions, the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides, and the cell does not experience any net movement of water, maintaining its size. In a hypotonic solution, where the outside concentration of solutes is lower, water would move into the cell, causing it to swell or even burst. Thus, the condition of being hypertonic specifically leads to the movement of water out of the cell, which aligns with the correct answer.