If a cell is dropped into a solution and the cell shrinks, the solution is \[ \text { isotonic } \] equaltonic hypotonic hypertonic

If a cell shrinks after being placed in a solution, it means that water has moved out of the cell. This movement occurs because the surrounding solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. Here's a breakdown of the terms: - **Isotonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is equal to that inside the cell. There is no net movement of water, so the cell remains the same size. - **Hypotonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is lower than inside. Water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. - **Hypertonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is higher than inside. Water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink. Since the cell is shrinking, the solution must be **hypertonic**. **Answer:** hypertonic