If a microorganism is placed in a hypotonic solution ( one with a lower osomotic concentration), water will enter the cell and cause it to burst!
If a microrganism is placed in a hypertonic solution ( one with higher osmotic concentration), water will flow out the cell. (plasmolysis)
Many microogranism, wheather in hypotonic or hypertonic environments, keep the osomotic concentration of their cytoplasm somewhat above that of the habitat so that the plasma memebrne is always pressed firmly against the cell wall.
Extreme halophiles have adapted so completely to hypertonic, saline conditions, that they require high levels of sodium chloride to grow.
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