If cells are placed in a hypertonic solution containing a solute to which the membrane is impermeable, what could happen?
A) The cells will swell and ultimately burst.
B) The cells will lose water and shrink.
C) The cells will shrink at first, but will later reach equilibrium with the surrounding solution and return to their original condition.
D) The cells will show no change due to diffusion of both solute and solvent.
Answer: B