What is the effect of a hypertonic solution on a cell?

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell. When a cell is placed in such a solution, water moves out of the cell in an attempt to balance the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This process is known as osmosis.

As water exits the cell, the cell loses volume and begins to shrink. This phenomenon is often referred to as crenation in red blood cells. Therefore, the characteristic effect of a hypertonic solution on a cell is indeed shrinkage. Understanding this process is important in various biological and clinical contexts, such as intravenous fluid management and cell biology.