A sample of cells is placed in a salt solution. The cells shrink and the membrane is distorted. Relative to the cell, the solution is probably:

A.	isotonic
B.	hypotonic
C.	osmotic
D.	hypertonic Yes, the diffusion of water across a membrane (osmosis) results in the net movement of water in the direction of higher solute concentrations. If cells shrink, then the net movement of water is to the outside of the cell where there is a higher concentration of dissolved solutes. The solution containing cells is thus hypertonic relative to the cells.