cell is dropped into a solution and the cell shrinks, the solution is isotonic equaltonic hypotonic hypertonic

When a cell is placed in a solution and **shrinks**, it indicates that water is moving **out of the cell**. This movement occurs due to the **osmotic gradient** between the inside of the cell and the surrounding solution. Here's a brief overview of the different types of solutions: 1. **Isotonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is equal to the inside. There is no net movement of water, and the cell maintains its shape. 2. **Hypertonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is **higher** than inside. Water moves out of the cell, causing it to **shrink**. 3. **Hypotonic**: The solute concentration outside the cell is **lower** than inside. Water moves into the cell, causing it to **swell** or potentially burst. 4. **Equaltonic**: This term is not standard in biology and is typically synonymous with **isotonic**. Given that the cell **shrinks**, the solution must be **hypertonic**. **Answer:** Hypertonic