In a hypertonic solution, water moves ____ the cell.

In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is greater than the concentration of solutes inside the cell. As a result of this osmotic difference, water molecules tend to move out of the cell to balance the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This process continues until the concentrations equalize or if the cell becomes flaccid.

When a cell is placed in a hypertonic environment, water will move from an area of lower solute concentration (inside the cell) to an area of higher solute concentration (outside the cell). This is a fundamental principle of osmosis, where water seeks to dilute the concentration of solutes. Thus, in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell.