When the flow of water is equal in and outside of the cell, is the cell called _______? 

The correct answer is Isotonic.

Key Points

• When the flow of water is equal inside and outside of the cell, the cell is said to be in an isotonic environment.
• In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside the cell, which leads to no net movement of water across the cell membrane.
• This balance of water movement helps maintain the cell's shape and function.

Additional Information

• Hypotonic Solution
  • In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside the cell.
  • This causes water to enter the cell, potentially leading to cell swelling and even bursting.
• Hypertonic Solution
  • In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside the cell.
  • This causes water to leave the cell, potentially leading to cell shrinkage and dehydration.
• Flaccid 
  • In plant cells, a flaccid state typically occurs in a hypotonic environment when water flows out due to a lower solute concentration outside.
  • The rigid cell wall prevents bursting, but the cell loses turgor pressure and becomes limp.