Answer:

Hypertonic

Explanation:
When comparing the concentration of solute in the external solution, there are three possible scenarios: hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic.

- Hypotonic solution: In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solute is lower in the external solution compared to the internal solution. This means that there is a higher concentration of water molecules in the external solution, which would cause water to move into the cell through osmosis. The net flow of water would be from the external solution into the cell, resulting in the cell swelling or even bursting.

- Hypertonic solution: In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solute is higher in the external solution compared to the internal solution. This means that there is a lower concentration of water molecules in the external solution, which would cause water to move out of the cell through osmosis. The net flow of water would be from the cell into the external solution, resulting in the cell shrinking or even shriveling.

- Isotonic solution: In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solute is the same in the external solution compared to the internal solution. This means that there is an equal concentration of water molecules in both the external solution and the cell. In an isotonic solution, there is no net flow of water into or out of the cell, and the cell remains in its normal state.

In the given question, the solute concentration is stated to be higher in the external solution. Therefore, the correct answer is hypertonic as the solute concentration is higher in the external solution compared to the internal solution.