A type of algae inhabits saltwater environments. Which of these most likely happens when these algae are placed in fresh water? A. Water molecules leave the cell. B. Water molecules enter the cell. C. Salt particles leave the cell. D. Salt particles enter the cell.

## Step 1<br />The problem is about the biological process of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />In this case, the algae are in a saltwater environment, which means the concentration of solutes (in this case, salt) is higher outside the cell than inside. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />When the algae are placed in fresh water, the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside. This means the concentration of water is higher outside the cell than inside.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />According to the principle of osmosis, water molecules will move from the area of higher concentration (outside the cell) to the area of lower concentration (inside the cell). <br /><br />## Step 5<br />Therefore, when the algae are placed in fresh water, water molecules will enter the cell.